I’m studying my postgrad in data and digital at Otago Uni and I’m currently writing an assignment focusing on ePrescribing. I’m trying to get my head around interoperability and standards. I’m trying to understand how the EHR of indicis ePrescribing shares it’s data and ensures interoperability. Am I right in thinking that FHIR APIs can pull through records such as NHI data and NZFormulary from the MOH to incidi and send updated information back?
The EHR also uses SNOMED codes, so does this mean when medications are ePrescribed in incidi that SNOMED codes are/can be shared to ensure interoperability can occur between different systems?
I understand ePrescriptions are sent online via the system through a health information broker (NZePS) so that a barcode is created for a patients ePrescription. I can see that incidi is integrated with NZePS but I am not clear as to how this information is sent or if it is updated into other systems?
I would appreciate if anyone could provide me with some insight into this area. I hope to gain more of an understanding within this area as I learn.
More information about NZePS if you dig around the various boxes here Medicines are all coded using NZMT (NZ Medicines Terminology) which is a component of NZULM (NZ Universal List of Medicines). SNOMED CT can be used for coded indications (reasons) for prescribing. It’s a highly complex system - I’ve been part of the team working on it for a dozen years and am still learning.
You will find varying levels of conformance to the standards in the community settings. I think the ones who have made most effort and the pharmacy vendors. It’s a mixed bag on the prescribing side. Peter’s suggested resources are useful.
hi, I’ve done a fair amount of architecture work around the wider medication management ecosystem (mainly from a Health NZ lens) and am happy to give a view if you wanted.
I’m away for 2 weeks but on return happy to have a catch up if it suits. david.vink@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Hi there, I think Peter has covered most of the key stuff (and it may be too late for your assignment!) but I guess one thing to note from your question is the difference between NZULM and NZF. They’re often used interchangeably but they are actually different - as Peter said the NZULM is the source of truth when it comes to the list of any med available in NZ, and where the vendors get their med data from. Some vendors will also interface separately to the NZF but this is more for medicines information / clinical decision support - things like contraindications, dosage, interactions etc. not sure if indici specifically does this. Not every med listed in the NZULM has a NZF monograph.
Hi peter this was really helpful for helping me understand how SNOMED CT can be used and how NZMT medicines are coded. I understand how it must be very complex.
Thanks everyone for your knowledge, this has helped me better understand this topic.
