Health informatics – System of concepts to support continuity of care

Continuity of care is an important aspect of quality and safety in health care. Semantic interoperability is a basic requirement for continuity of care. This document defines the generic concepts needed to achieve continuity of care, including both the content and context of healthcare services.

Healthcare and clinical processes reflect the interaction between a subject of care and healthcare professionals. This standard is designed to establish a common conceptual framework across national, cultural and professional barriers. It is intended to be the foundation for interoperability at all levels in healthcare organisations and for development of information systems in healthcare.

Main sections:

· Scope

· Normative references

· Terms and definitions

· Concepts related to healthcare matters

· Concepts related to activities

· Concepts related to healthcare planning

· Concepts related to time

· Concepts related to information management

· Conformance

· Annex A: Framework for the normative concepts in this International Standard