Key aspects in the definition and adoption of standards of electronic data interoperability: The case of HL7 in the area of health

This article presents the results of the analysis that the DRISO research group has conducted about some aspects which have been found as critical in the process of definition and adoption of standards for exchange of electronic data, in the context of the HL7 standard for interoperability in health. For each considered aspect, its potential contribution to a standard for semantic interoperability is identified, as well as how it is used in the modeling of the objects to exchange, and in the modeling of the exchange process itself. The analysis of the critical aspects of standards is done following the line of the evolution of HL7 standard, identifying and distinguishing their structural and dynamic aspects. Finally, as a matter of conclusion, a reflection about the applicability of this analysis to the Colombian Ministry of Communications GEL-XML project, for electronic data exchange of basic data in all sectors of the economy.