E-health Data Integration to Be Completed This Year in Taiwan
E-health data integration to be completed this year - Taipei Times
Summary
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) aims to complete an initiative integrating hospitals' electronic health record (EHR) systems by the end of the year. This effort is expected to facilitate data sharing when patients are referred to different healthcare facilities, thereby enhancing diagnostic efficiency and quality.
Details
Taiwan is promoting digital transformation in its healthcare sector to optimize public medical care. The MOHW introduced the “SMART on FHIR” framework last year. This open, standards-based technology allows healthcare applications to securely connect, access, and exchange data with various EHR systems. The goal is to make originally closed and siloed information systems interoperable across hospitals. Through this standard (FHIR), patients will no longer need physical medical records or undergo duplicate examinations when visiting different facilities. With patient consent, health data can be integrated in real-time, allowing doctors quick access to records and improving diagnostic quality. The MOHW started a four-year Next-Generation EHR System program in 2024, achieving interoperability trials at several hospitals. The ministry plans to conduct education and training this year, aiming for nationwide EHR interoperability by the end of the year. If successful, the system will be introduced to primary clinics and local public health centers next year.
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