Common Device Connectivity

In April and June of 2008, the American Health Information Community (AHIC) approved a recommendation to develop documents that address extensions/gaps from the use cases published between 2006 and 2008. One of the extensions/gaps prioritized for subsequent processing in the national health agenda activities in 2009 was Common Device Connectivity. AHIC specifically requested that the Common Device Connectivity Extension/Gap address the electronic exchange of information from diagnostic/therapeutic medical devices (e.g., physiological monitors, infusion pumps, ventilators, glucometers, blood pressure cuffs, and other devices) into Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and other systems. This may also enable next generation clinical decision support systems and enhances patient safety and therapeutic efficacy.

This extension/gap document is being developed by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to represent the AHIC priorities and provide context for the national agenda activities, beginning with the selection of harmonized standards by the Health Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP). Components that need to be considered during the standards identification and harmonization activities include standardized datasets, data elements, vocabularies, naming conventions, capabilities, and technical standards that support the information needs and processes of communicating medical device information to clinicians.

There will be one opportunity for review and feedback by interested stakeholders within both the private and public sectors. This public feedback period will last approximately 4 weeks and will close on September 16^th, 2008. The feedback will be analyzed, dispositioned, and will be utilized in the development of the final Common Device Connectivity Extension/Gap Document.

The Draft Common Device Connectivity Extension/Gap and instructions for providing public feedback are available for download:

• Draft Extension/Gap – Common Device Connectivity [PDF - 317KB]
• Feedback Instructions – Common Device Connectivity [DOC - 39KB]

Thank you again for your sharing your views and/or the views of your organization.

Sincerely,

Use Case Team - ONC

Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology

The Department of Health and Human Services