ELGA Terminology Server for Clinical Decision Support: A Case-Study Using an Existing Knowledge Base, CDS Hooks and FHIR

Abstract

Background: There are many medical knowledge bases with potential for supporting medical professionals in their decision-making during routine care, yet usage of these sources remains low. Standardized linking of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) applications and existing medical knowledge bases is not a common practice. Objectives: Using existing eHealth standards to increase the utilization of knowledge bases and implement a prototype. Methods: Linking an existing online knowledge base via a FHIR CodeSystem supplement to the Austrian national EHR (ELGA) terminology server and accessing these data using CDS Hooks and FHIR. Results: We tested the approach by incorporating photosensitivity data of medications into a local copy of the Austrian terminology server. These data are directly used by a CDS Hooks compliant CDS service. Conclusion: The Austrian Terminology Server could be an important interface to access existing knowledge bases from within EHR systems. FHIR and CDS Hooks could lead the way for a simple and open integration of CDS services into EHR systems.