Taiwan's Healthcare Information Standard Platform: Foundation for Smart Healthcare

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This article details Taiwan’s newly launched ‘Taiwan Healthcare Information Standard Platform.’ Led by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Information Department, the platform aims to improve the interconnectivity of medical data. Key technologies adopted include FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), which provides a structured mechanism for standardized data exchange; CQL (Clinical Quality Language), used for Clinical Decision Support (CDS) and quality measurement; and SMART on FHIR, allowing third-party developers access. Furthermore, vocabulary standards like SNOMED CT, LOINC, and RxNorm ensure consistency in medical terminology. FHIR, an HL7 international standard, has seen the creation of multiple local Implementation Guides (IGs), such as the 'TW Core IG' and 'National Health Insurance Reporting FHIR IG.' However, challenges persist, including technical integration difficulties because existing HIS systems often use older HL7 V2 standards. Furthermore, due to FHIR’s open API nature, strengthening identity verification and access control is crucial for privacy and security. CQL is applied in areas like verifying NHI benefits and automated quality assessment (eCQM). SMART on FHIR enables the creation of personalized medical services, such as diabetes management apps or cardiovascular risk tools, building a future application ecosystem. Taiwan aims to enter a new era of smart healthcare by aligning with international standards, requiring comprehensive efforts in legal refinement, industry cooperation, and talent development.