Generalized System Architecture and design for HL7 compliant Interoperability of ECG devices.

Abstract

Interoperability is the exchange of information between two systems. Medical Devices (ECG, Cardio Monitors) follow different methods of information exchange. The absence of standards for medical devices poses a huge challenge and hindrance in achieving interoperability. Devices with heterogeneous formats cannot communicate with each other. Information sharing is only achievable when they are converged to a singular standard. Our main objective is to systematically review the current gaps in devices interoperability model and develop an effective middleware compliant with ECG devices of different vendors supporting varying standards. The middleware will generate standard HL7 Version: 3.0 messages for communications and interoperability. We intend to undertake a study of available patient monitoring devices for cardiac care i.e. ECG, Cardiac monitors having capability of communication with health information systems via different communication models. A generalized solution is developed that will act as middleware to support medical device communication. It will provide the required interoperability by introducing HL7 compliant communication for heterogeneous device. This project is important because there has not been much work done on the HL7 domain especially in regards with the device level interoperability. The developed system has been implemented using java technology and evaluated on a network based ECG device that establishes interoperability among heterogonous and propriety medical devices.