A novel application of SMART on FHIR architecture for interoperable and scalable integration of patient-reported outcome data with electronic health records. (19th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wesley, Deliya B; Blumenthal, Joseph; Shah, Shrenikkumar; Littlejohn, Robin A; Pruitt, Zoe; Dixit, Ram; Hsiao, Chun-Ju; Dymek, Christine; Ratwani, Raj M
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. Volume 28:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 2220
• Page End: 2225
• Publication Date: 2021-07-19
• Subjects: patient-reported outcomes -- HL7 FHIR -- interoperability, data standards, electronic health record, patient generated health data; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information Services -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Informatica; Geneeskunde; Informatique médicale; Computer network resources; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocab110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-5027

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Despite a proliferation of applications (apps) to conveniently collect patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from patients, PRO data are yet to be seamlessly integrated with electronic health records (EHRs) in a way that improves interoperability and scalability. We applied the newly created PRO standards from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to facilitate the collection and integration of standardized PRO data. A novel multitiered architecture was created to enable seamless integration of PRO data via Substitutable Medical Apps and Reusable Technologies on Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources apps and scaled to different EHR platforms in multiple ambulatory settings. Materials and Methods: We used a standards-based approach to deploy 2 apps that source and surface PRO data in real-time for provider use within the EHR and which rely on PRO assessments from an external center to streamline app and EHR integration. Results: The apps were developed to enable patients to answer validated assessments (eg, a Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System including using a Computer Adaptive Test format). Both apps were developed to populate the EHR in real time using the Health Level Seven FHIR standard allowing providers to view patients' data during the clinical encounter. The process of implementing this architecture with 2 different apps across 18 ambulatory care sites and 3 different EHR platforms is described. Conclusion: Our approach and solution proved feasible, secure, and time- and resource-efficient. We offer actionable guidance for this technology to be scaled and adapted to promote adoption in diverse ambulatory care settings and across different EHRs.