Implementation FAQ

There are a considerable number of implementations of HL7 version 3 based on a Development Edition, a Normative Edition (e.g. 2010) or a Project Specific Edition (e.g. the NHS). This document aims to describe the most important lessons learned from these implementations, as well as some of the frequently asked questions related to the implementation of HL7 version 3.

As with all FAQs some of the documentation provided on these pages may sound "obvious" to you; this may not necessarily be true for other implementers.

Note: parts of this FAQ are currently (November 2010) undergoing major changes/updates.

This FAQ is organized into a number of categories, mainly in order to limit the size of the individual pages:

• General:
  • Getting started (getting to know the HL7v3 standard; education; resources)
  • Implementer Organization (organizational recommendations for v3 implementer organizations)
• Localization:
  • Localized specifications (localizing the HL7 v3 standard)
• Implementation: (architecture and design)
  • Interface Development (software implementation)
• Deployment:
  • Interface Deployment
• Special topics:
  • Use of Transports with HL7 v3
  • Framework Issues (national/regional infrastructures)
  • Migration from version 2 (e.g. mapping)
  • Encryption and Security and Digital Signatures