HL7/FHIR Adaptability in Primary Care Dental Practices in Developing Countries

Abstract

Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and limited technical expertise often hinder healthcare delivery in developing countries. Implementing electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchange (HIE) has the potential to improve healthcare delivery in these settings. The Health Level Seven International (HL7) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard has gained popularity to facilitate interoperability between different EHR systems. This paper reviews the adaptability of HL7/FHIR in developing countries, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for implementation. A systematic literature review was conducted, which identified 15 studies that evaluated the use of FHIR in developing countries. The studies identified several challenges to implementing FHIR, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and limited technical expertise. However, the studies also identified several opportunities for the implementation of FHIR, including the potential to improve healthcare delivery, reduce costs, and improve data quality. The paper suggests potential solutions to address these challenges and promote the adoption of FHIR in developing countries, including capacity building and knowledge transfer, the use of open-source software, and stakeholder engagement.