Review article
https://doi.org/10.55378/rv.50.2.4
Problems of HL7/DICOM integration in healthcare systems
Mate Popov
; University of Split, Faculty of Health Sciences, Split, Croatia; Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Frane Mihanović
; University of Split, Faculty of Health Sciences, Split, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Modern healthcare information systems are based on the integration of HL7 and DICOM standards, which enable the exchange of administrative, clinical, and imaging data between HIS, RIS, and PACS systems. This thesis focuses on the analysis of the most significant integration problems that occur during communication and data exchange between these systems, including inconsistencies in patient identification data, errors related to orders and Accession Numbers, difficulties in mapping HL7 messages into DICOM metadata, radiology workflow issues, differences in vendor implementations, security and organizational challenges, as well as architectural differences between HL7 and DICOM standards. An analysis of the causes, consequences, and possible solutions to these problems was conducted, with emphasis on their impact on everyday clinical practice. Special attention was given to the Croatian national CEZIH system, its role in the exchange of administrative data, and the limitations related to the integration of imaging systems. The thesis also presents future directions of development through HL7 FHIR, DICOMweb, integration engines, and artificial intelligence, with the aim of creating a more connected, stable, and organizationally efficient healthcare information system that enables a higher quality approach to patient care.
Keywords
CEZIH; difficulties; DICOM; HL7; information system; integration
Hrčak ID:
352456
URI
Publication date:
26.10.2026.
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