HL7 Messaging

Whilst all the system integration work carried out by Touchstone Systems is normally specific to the systems or data being integrated, HL7 is specific to the Health sector.

HL7 (Health Level 7) is a protocol for integration between Health systems, The format of integration message was originally developed in the USA for health integration in the late 1970's, and was rapidly accepted as the world wide standard for Health integration across the world including the UK. Currently, the message versions in use across the UK is V2.x, but this is due to be replaced with HL7 V3 in the very near future.

We have extensive experience in Health system integration using HL7 messages in both V2.x and the newer V3 formats. We have provided consultants within the NHS Connecting For Health (CfH, Formally named the National Program for IT (NPfIT)) where we provide integration services across a number of areas. This includes working in a consultancy role within the program for some of the major suppliers and local service providers (LSPs) within the program. Touchstone consultants have also sat on some of the national design and steering committees for the national program (MiM and Steering groups).

Touchstone Systems can provide a range of 'off the shelf' HL7 interface engines to use in your own data warehouse, application or installation, including patient details (ADT), orders, results and clinical feeds. More information on our range of HL7 products can be found here.

We are in a position to utilise our experience in HL7 Health integration to offer assistance to organisations within or supplying the NHS both providing either consultancy or technical development support.

More information can be found on the HL7 message formats used within the official HL7 UK web site.

Sources of additional information:

The background to CfH/NPfIT in the UK
The HL7 Uk official web site
The CfH/NPfIT web site
Touchstone standard HL7 packs