FHIR is the fuel that is powering AI in healthcare.
Five years ago if you were adopting FHIR it was because of regulations. Today the reason is likely to be AI.
What is it about FHIR that makes it the perfect data format and standard for feeding AI models?
1. Structured and predictable data
FHIR enforces a clear and consistent data structure. AI models perform better when the data is dependable and they know what to expect.
2. Standardized semantics
FHIR defines what things mean (patients, medications, claims, encounters). AI models benefit from consistent meaning as it makes it less likely they’ll “make things up”.
3. Normalized coding systems
FHIR resources use ValueSets drawn from public code systems such as SNOMED and LOINC. AI models work better with clearly documented codes than with free text.
4. Clear relationships between resources
FHIR links resources to each other in unambiguous ways. AI models can follow these links to build their own clinical view across resource types.
5. Reduced noise and ambiguity
FHIR imposes constraints on data via profiles and Implementation Guides. AI systems can use IGs to interpret and clean data more easily.
6. Same structure, different source
FHIR is all about interoperability – data looks the same regardless of EHR, app or device. AI models can rely on the same data structure from diverse data sources.
7. Machine readable formats
FHIR outputs structured JSON and XML. AI models do not need to work with proprietary or diverging data formats.
8. Real-time access
FHIR comes with standard access control mechanisms (Smart-on-FHIR). AI agents can query FHIR servers directly to supplement, verify or ingest data.
9. Future proof
FHIR is backed by a growing body of legislation – it’s here for the long-haul. AI models can rely on an ever growing body of FHIR data. Businesses and organizations can rely on FHIR when building AI into their products.
AI models in healthcare need structured, understandable and consistent data. When implemented well, FHIR delivers this.
It’s still early days but if you’re looking for the best way to make your existing healthcare data accessible to AI, you should look at FHIR.
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