TerminoloGit - An Open Source Terminology Server for Large Scale eHealth Environments

Abstract

Semantic interoperability is the centerpiece of successful communication between information systems within the health care system. As such, a terminology server provides information systems with the concepts needed for coding information accordingly. As the current Austrian terminology server does not meet all requirements anymore, a new terminology server is necessary. Consequently, after an unsuccessful call for bids, the Semantic Competence Center (SCC) of the ELGA GmbH set up a technologically more advanced solution for a new terminology server. The result is a Git based architecture in combination with the HL7® FHIR® IG publisher complemented by a FHIR® server and some in-house developments. The Git repository is hosted on GitLab.com, hence, allowing the use of GitLab's CI/CD functionalities for publishing the contents. Since the 1 January 2022 the new terminology server 'TerminoloGit' is operational and provides 171 code lists and 141 value sets. Using open-source components only and making all parts of the system publicly available results in a cost-effective solution which may also be improved by the open-source community.