Extensible Markup Language
Executive Summary
What is XML?
Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a markup language that transmits and store data. XML encodes structured documents in machine-readable form. XML documents contain constructs that define the content and structure of a message within the document. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifies XML (ISO-8879) as an application profile of Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML).
In contrast with Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), XML transmit and store the data while HTML displays the data. XML needs a software or language to be converted into readable format such as an Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT). XSLT is used to transform XML documents into web pages or office documents. One major goal of XML is to emphasize simplicity of communication over the Internet.
In the field of Healthcare Information Technology (HIT), Health Level Seven (HL7) is the widely used language when communicating medical information. In 2005, HL7 v3.0 was published to address the many problems of inherent in v2.x. HL7 v3.0 addresses issues such as lack of consistent application model, lack of formal methodologies, lack of well-defined application and user roles, and lack of precision in standards. HL7 v3.0 seeks to support different types of healthcare workflows to allow seamless communication between different systems such as an EHR or CPOE. HL7 v3.0 messaging standards are based on an XML encoding syntax. HL7 v3.0 is not backward compatible with v2.x messaging standards. HL7 v2.x needs conversion software to be compatible with v3.0. Progress Data Direct is a company that provides conversion software between different HL7 versions.
XML and HL7 History
ISO-SGML was first introduced in 1986 as a standard for representing texts in electronic form. In 1998, XML v1.0 was defined as a standard for representing arbitrary messages in a document. In 1987, HL7, Incorporated was founded which introduced a
What is XML?
Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a markup language that transmits and store data. XML encodes structured documents in machine-readable form. XML documents contain constructs that define the content and structure of a message within the document. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifies XML (ISO-8879) as an application profile of Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML).
In contrast with Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), XML transmit and store the data while HTML displays the data. XML needs a software or language to be converted into readable format such as an Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT). XSLT is used to transform XML documents into web pages or office documents. One major goal of XML is to emphasize simplicity of communication over the Internet.
In the field of Healthcare Information Technology (HIT), Health Level Seven (HL7) is the widely used language when communicating medical information. In 2005, HL7 v3.0 was published to address the many problems of inherent in v2.x. HL7 v3.0 addresses issues such as lack of consistent application model, lack of formal methodologies, lack of well-defined application and user roles, and lack of precision in standards. HL7 v3.0 seeks to support different types of healthcare workflows to allow seamless communication between different systems such as an EHR or CPOE. HL7 v3.0 messaging standards are based on an XML encoding syntax. HL7 v3.0 is not backward compatible with v2.x messaging standards. HL7 v2.x needs conversion software to be compatible with v3.0. Progress Data Direct is a company that provides conversion software between different HL7 versions.
XML and HL7 History
ISO-SGML was first introduced in 1986 as a standard for representing texts in electronic form. In 1998, XML v1.0 was defined as a standard for representing arbitrary messages in a document. In 1987, HL7, Incorporated was founded which introduced a
References: Corepoint Health, . (2010). The hl7 evolution. Retrieved from http://www.corepointhealth.com/sites/default/files/whitepapers/hl7-history-v2-v3.pdf Health Level 7, HL7. (2010). V3 messaging standard. Retrieved from http://www.hl7.org/implement/standards/v3messages.cfm