Advancing FHIR in Clinical Registries and Research – August 29, 2022-Advancing FHIR in Clinical Registries and Research Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The second webinar in the CMSS Registry Science and Research Webinar Series focused on the implementation and benefits of FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) for advancing clinical registries and research. The session was coordinated with the help of CMSS staff and Heidi Basley, building on the first webinar from July 25th which covered USCDI.<br /><br />The webinar featured presentations from notable figures like Anish Chopra, President of CareJourney and former CTO for the Department of Health and Human Services, who emphasized the policy and practical aspects of FHIR technology. Chopra discussed Cures Act regulations going live this year and the current readiness of certified EHRs, emphasizing that only about 5% of these systems had updated their capabilities, though this covers much of the market.<br /><br />Marty Velaziz from the FDA's Coordinated Research Network talked about leveraging real-world data and improving device identification and data collection efficiency using FHIR applications in various subspecialties within MD EpiNet. This aimed to reduce the repetitive nature of data entry and enhance real-time transmission and storage of medical data.<br /><br />Representatives from the American College of Radiology, Chris Treml and Brian Bielecki, shared insights from their experience and pilot projects integrating FHIR with registries using their ACR Connect program. They highlighted both the technical feasibility and the real-world challenges, such as organizational overhead and vendor restrictions.<br /><br />The overarching message was the need for specialty societies to collaboratively develop implementation guides specific to their registry needs and to leverage government incentives and regulations to make FHIR a practical reality. The session emphasized the importance of action, collaboration, and addressing both technological and political barriers to realize the full potential of FHIR for clinical data interoperability.

Keywords

CMSS

FHIR

clinical registries

research

Anish Chopra

Cures Act

EHRs

real-world data

MD EpiNet

American College of Radiology

ACR Connect

data interoperability