HL7 Integration Process
To help our customers plan for and understand what is involved in a "standard" HL7 integration project, we have created a generic list of steps that our Trust deployments follow. These are facilitated in more depth via a project plan within our project management system (TeamWork) which our Success team build and support. Each site has varying specifications so some additional tasks can be needed.
Steps
Project Initiation Document completed and agreed, with the integration requirements clearly scoped and defined.
IG requirements completed. See our online documentation for further details. Project Manager
Project Kickoff: Project Manager takes over the PID
Send out HL7 documentation for review (if not done previously): HL7 specifications, connectivity information and additional supporting information are all available in the PKB developer wiki. Project Manager
Sandbox test site created: Sandbox test-site created, test accounts created and log-in details sent out (patient, professional, coordinator, org admin for the org patient records (umbrella) team) and at least one speciality team. Project Manager
Kickoff Integration call with integration specialist: PKB generated Integration specification shared and reviewed, HL7 message specifications and work-streams confirmed, possible risks identified. Client integrations team, Project Manager + Integration Specialist
HL7 credentials for Sandbox are shared with the customer. Integration Specialist
Super admin settings updated for client organisation on Sandbox. Integration Specialist
Connectivity established: Ensure client has whitelisted https://sandbox.patientsknowbest.com:7443/services/hl7. Client + Project Manager
Integration development undertaken. Client
UAT Testing (including all code sets and patient matching issues). Whilst the client is ultimately responsible for their own internal testing processes and governance, PKB provides some example Test Scripts for consideration. The PKB integration specialist will also undertake due diligence in reviewing and supporting the testing, assuring that expectations in relation to data quality and workflow are met before enabling any move to production. Client + Project Manager + Integration Specialist
Multi-source testing done with PKB messages. Client + Project Manager + Integration Specialist
UAT testing on Sandbox completed and signed off using the Integration specification as a "source of truth". Client + Project Manager + Integration Specialist
Production site created: Client supplies details according to PKB request. Production site created and coordinator will be invited to register. Project Manager + Client
Super admin settings updated and code sets setup for production using client-supplied details. Integration Specialist
Client firewall opened for PKB production environment (connectivity information and testing guidance). Client
Prod HL7 credentials created by PKB and whitelist customer IP address(es). Project Manager + Integration Specialist
Prod HL7 credentials sent to client. Integration Specialist
Production connectivity established and confirmed. Client + Project Manager
Schedule a Go-Live time where all will be available. Client + Project Manager
Interfaces switched on for 1-hour testing load and last QA verification (to be done by a clinician with patient consent - implicit or explicit). Client + Project Manager
Go-Live.