Candidate Euridice Specification
Version: 0.1.0-snapshot1 (Draft)
Specification: HL7 Europe Imaging Report
License: CC0 1.0 (Public Domain)
NOTE: This is an early snapshot released for review and pilot use.
Overview
The HL7 Europe Imaging Report Implementation Guide (IG) defines how imaging-related information — imaging studies, reports, and selected observations — is represented and exchanged using FHIR R5.It provides a harmonized approach for European health systems to share imaging results across organizations and borders, in alignment with the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and related initiatives such as the EHRxF.
It provides a harmonized approach for European health systems to share imaging results across organizations and borders, in alignment with the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and related initiatives such as the EHRxF.
Purpose
This implementation guide specifies imaging study reports in the European context, as defined in eHN Imaging Studies and Reports and refined by Xt-EHR Imaging This implementation guide specifies imaging reports in the European context, as defined in eHN Imaging Studies and Reports and refined by Xt-EHR Imaging Logical Model, as a FHIR model. It defines:
- The FHIR structure and contents of imaging study reports.
- The FHIR representation of imaging study metadata for making them discoverable through FHIR queries.
- The different options for publishing and searching for such studies and reports.
- This specification is to be used in a variety of deployment models, which includes the EHDS use case: Sharing of Imaging Study and/or Related Report .
Why It Matters
- Imaging data and reports are critical for diagnosis, treatment, and research.
- Today, these data are often stored in separate PACS/RIS systems and exchanged in incompatible ways.
- This IG gives a consistent, standards-based representation so that images and reports can be used in patient summaries, hospital discharge reports, and cross-border health data exchange.
- Reduce integration costs and accelerate adoption of interoperable imaging solutions.
Key features
- Guidance for both document-based and resource-based exchange models.
- FHIR-based representation of ImagingStudy, DiagnosticReport, and related resources (e.g., ServiceRequest, Observation).
- Linking of narrative reports with image references.
- Cross-border data sharing and integration with EHDS services.
- Consistency with established standards such as DICOM and IHE profiles (e.g., XDS-I.b, MHD).
Future Development
This is an early snapshot released for review and pilot use.
Planned next steps include:
- Refinement of profiles and examples based on implementer feedback.
- Alignment with future stable versions of FHIR.
- Broader testing in European cross-border exchange scenarios.
- Publication of a ballot / trial-use version.