NZ Core Data for Interoperability (NZCDI)

We are leading the development of a standardised core set of data concepts, elements and domains for interoperable health information exchange across the health system.

The new standard called NZ Core Data for Interoperability (NZCDI) will follow the example of USCDI and AUCDI in their jurisdictions to define a standard set of the most commonly exchanged data elements for our health system.

NZCDI is a specification for the most-commonly exchanged health data elements. It will not define all data elements that are present in our health system but rather only the most important elements for health information exchange. It is intentionally agnostic of any single use case or implementation.

With NZCDI we will support the development of an NZ Core FHIR Implementation Guide as a future project.

Having non-standardised data is causing confusion and limits integration between clinical applications across the motu. By establishing a consistent set of data definitions for exchanging health data, NZCDI provides the health sector with a single, reliable and easily-implemented specification to lift interoperability.

This mahi will contribute to the development of a more joined-up, equitable health system, leading to consumer access to better quality data and the enablement of shared and autonomous decision-making.

Many of the most common data definitions that will make up NZCDI already exist in standards such as HISO 10046 Consumer Health Identity Standard. NZCDI will bring all of these data definitions together in a consistent manner.

NZCDI will align with the NZ Patient Summary (NZPS), our fully-conforming adaptation of the International Patient Summary (IPS) standard.

NZCDI is a living artefact. It will be regularly maintained and updated via an open annual process of change and adoption.

This process will be overseen by an NZCDI reference group reporting to HISO to ensure this is a dynamic specification that reflects our changing interoperability needs.

The standard will follow an open consultation process with a submission period between September and March every year, aiming for July publication.

Notices of new releases will be placed on our consultation page and the eHealth forum and discussions regarding these will be undertaken on this forum.

Data groups

A data group is a set of one or more related data elements. Data elements are organised into data groups using a common theme or use case.

Data elements

A data element is a defined field or variable that takes a meaningful value. Each data element is presented with a unique canonical name and narrative definition, paired with a domain of possible values.

Value domains

A value domain is the set of permissible values for a data element, with an associated data type, representation and, for quantities, a unit of measure.

As our principal standard for terminology, SNOMED CT is the required source of codes and terms for many data elements in NZCDI

Using SNOMED CT-enabled software at point of care makes for health records that can be reliably communicated between clinicians, patients and whānau, and links machine-readable to health pathways, health education resources and other digital tools.

Amid its versatile applications, the central requirement is to use SNOMED CT to record problems and medical conditions in all health records.

SNOMED CT fully replaces the Read code system, which is no longer maintained and is being withdrawn from the New Zealand health system, as it has been in the United Kingdom.

Health NZ and The Ministry of Health has worked actively with the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Ministry of Social Development (MSD) since 2016 to modernise forms and interfaces so that health providers can use SNOMED CT natively in place of Read codes.

Our membership of SNOMED International makes SNOMED CT freely available in Aotearoa. We publish a mapping table in our standard product the SNOMED CT NZ Edition to enable health providers and their industry partners to complete this change from Read to SNOMED, as the UK and other countries have done.