EHR Interoperability Using Standardized Field-Coded Record Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incompatibility of electronic health record (EHR) systems from different providers due to varying data structures and formats hinders the efficient sharing of patient medical information, especially during emergencies, and existing solutions are costly, complex, or impractical.
Innovation Solution
The SCUTWORK system divides EHRs into standardized elemental parts labeled with Field Indicator Codes (FIC) and attaches Accountability Information (A-I) labels, allowing unstructured data strands to be shared and reconstructed across disparate systems without altering their structure or operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom transcoding software is developed to convert EHRs between different formats, then interoperability between specific system pairs is achieved, but development cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized intermediate EHR file format that serves as a mediator between different EHR systems. Instead of creating custom transcoding software for each system pair, each system converts its native format to the standardized intermediate format, enabling interoperability through a common intermediary representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the EHR data into standardized elemental parts with consistent labeling. By dividing the EHR into discrete, labeled components (patient demographics, clinical findings, diagnoses, etc.), the system enables modular conversion and assembly, reducing the complexity of format translation while maintaining data integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct transcoding between disparate EHR systems is implemented, then format compatibility is achieved, but development cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal standardized EHR file format that can serve multiple EHR systems simultaneously. A single implementation of the standardized format enables compatibility across numerous different systems, eliminating the need for separate development projects for each system pair and significantly reducing overall development costs.
3Loss of information
If translation software is used to convert EHR formats, then electronic information sharing becomes possible, but the solution remains impractical for widespread adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes standardized elemental parts and labeling conventions in advance, before actual EHR conversion is needed. By pre-defining the structure, labels, and format requirements, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time translation logic, making implementation straightforward and practical for widespread adoption.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed principles permit exchange of patient information between disparate Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems by identifying a source standard medical record (SMR), breaking the SMR into elemental record parts without data or patient information, labeling each SMR elemental part with a Field Indicator Code (FIC), and concatenating the FIC labeled elemental parts. The concatenated FIC labeled elemental parts are used as a guide by disparate EHR systems to break down their EHRs into the same electronic elemental parts, labeling the corresponding elemental parts with the appropriate FIC, and then concatenating each part. As data is entered into an EHR during a patient service, a unique Accountability Information (A-I) label is created for that service and added to the FIC as data is added to the corresponding elemental part. An importing EHR system reads the standard FICs and places each A-I+FIC elemental part with data into its matching standardized FIC label elemental part where the data may be read.