Overview
ISO/TR 20514:2005 is a Technical Report from ISO/TC 215 that defines the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in a pragmatic, implementation‑oriented way. It establishes a classification of EHR types, simple definitions for the main categories (for example basic‑generic EHR, shareable EHR, Integrated Care EHR (ICEHR) and Personal Health Record (PHR)), and descriptive characteristics of EHRs and EHR systems. As an informative report (not a prescriptive standard), ISO/TR 20514 clarifies scope, context and terminology to support consistent EHR implementation and interoperability across health settings.
Key Topics
- Definitions and vocabulary: clear terms such as EHR, ICEHR, EHR extract, EHR node, clinician, encounter, clinical data repository (CDR), archetype and logical information model.
- EHR classifications: distinctions between non‑shareable, shareable, core vs. extended EHR, and the ICEHR (the primary definition for interoperable, shareable records).
- Scope and purpose: intended uses of EHRs (retrospective, concurrent and prospective information) and how EHRs support continuing integrated care.
- EHR architecture and models: discussion of Electronic Health Record Architecture (EHRA), information models and the role of archetypes and logical information models that are independent of technology.
- Interoperability: emphasis on functional and semantic interoperability as a key objective for shareable EHRs and the ISO family of EHR standards.
- EHR systems and services: overview of EHR system components, categorizations, EHR directory service concepts, and summary characteristics of EHR systems.
- Contextual considerations: temporal, functional and organizational contexts across health paradigms, systems, sectors and settings.
Applications and Who Uses It
ISO/TR 20514 is practical for:
- Health informatics architects and EHR system designers - to align design with standardized EHR concepts and interoperability goals.
- EHR vendors and software developers - to understand EHR categories, extract models and architectural expectations.
- Health IT implementers and integrators - to map system behavior to core vs. extended EHR functionality and plan sharing.
- Policy makers, health organizations and standards bodies - to set procurement criteria, governance and national EHR strategies.
- Clinicians and health information managers - to understand record scope, legal/ethical implications and data contexts.
Practical uses include planning interoperable EHR deployments, defining exchangeable EHR extracts, designing directory services, and framing requirements for integrated care solutions.
Related Standards
- ISO/TS 18308 (requirements for an EHR architecture)
- EN/ENV 13606 (EHR communication and composition concepts)
- Other ISO health informatics standards referenced by ISO/TC 215 for semantic and technical interoperability
Keywords: ISO/TR 20514, electronic health record, EHR, ICEHR, health informatics, EHR interoperability, EHR architecture, EHR system, archetype, logical information model.
