Implementation Support Guide – HL7 Version 2.2 Messaging

This support guide provides the methodologies and strategies for successful implementation of the Version 2.x standard. It includes a planning methodology, design and implementation methodology, HL7 transaction checklist and HL7 message diagrams.

The target audience is healthcare institutions, hospital information systems vendors, consultants and other support groups that are considering systems development and implementation activities in a multi-system environment using the Health Level Seven (HL7) protocol.

Due to its widespread use, Version 2 will continue to play an integral part in healthcare messaging, even with the HL7 Version 3 Normative Edition.

Main sections:

· Planning and organisation

· Business strategy/performance measures

· Information needs and application requirements

· Technical architecture

· Organisation strategy

· Migration strategy

· Cost/benefit analysis

· Vendor evaluation and selection

· Interface development

· Functional design

· Technical design

· Program development

· Implementation

· Production cutover

· Q.A./benefits realisation

· Appendix A: HL7 transaction checklist

· Appendix B: HL7 message diagrams