Overview
ISO/TS 21564:2019 - "Health Informatics - Terminology resource map quality measures (MapQual)" defines quality requirements and measurable criteria for producing and assessing maps between healthcare terminological resources (code systems). The technical specification helps decision makers, implementers and vendors determine whether a map meets the needs of a given purpose, how to assess map quality and what levels of quality are required for common healthcare use cases (for example, conformity assessment).
Keywords: ISO/TS 21564:2019, MapQual, health informatics, terminology mapping, map quality, code systems.
Key Topics
The specification organizes map quality around a set of determinants and practical steps to evaluate map sets. Major technical topics include:
Applications
ISO/TS 21564:2019 is practical for:
- Evaluating whether a mapping product (e.g., SNOMED CT ↔ ICD mappings, LOINC mappings) is fit for purpose.
- Defining procurement requirements for vendors supplying map sets or mapping tools.
- Guiding project planning and resource allocation for mapping initiatives.
- Supporting risk assessment where mapped data can affect clinical safety or reporting accuracy.
Benefits include clearer criteria for map quality, more consistent assessments, and better-informed decisions about whether to build, buy or revise a map.
Who should use it
- Health informatics implementers and software vendors
- Health data managers and EHR integrators
- Terminologists, clinical coders and mapping teams
- Procurement officers and policy/decision makers focused on data interoperability and patient safety
Related standards
- ISO/TR 12300 (informative basis referenced in the specification)
- Work prepared by ISO/TC 215 (Health Informatics)
For implementers, ISO/TS 21564:2019 provides a structured, measurable approach to improve interoperability and the safe, effective use of mapped clinical data.