Navigare tra le decine di risorse del modello HL7 FHIR può sembrare un labirinto, specialmente per chi lavora nella sanità pubblica o nei sistemi informativi regionali.
Observation, Procedure, ServiceRequest, DiagnosticReport… quale risorsa usare, e quando?
In questa guida trovi un metodo pratico per orientarti in modo chiaro e logico.

#1 – Parti sempre dal tipo di informazione che vuoi rappresentare

Chiediti:

“Sto descrivendo un dato, un’azione, una persona o un luogo?”

Categoria	Domanda guida	Esempi di risorse
Dati clinici osservabili	È una misura, un segno, un risultato?	Observation, DiagnosticReport, Condition, AllergyIntolerance, Specimen
Azioni o eventi sanitari	È qualcosa che si fa o si richiede?	ServiceRequest, Procedure, MedicationRequest, Appointment, Encounter
Persone e ruoli	Chi lo fa o chi lo riceve?	Patient, Practitioner, PractitionerRole, RelatedPerson
Organizzazioni e luoghi	Dove o da chi è erogato il servizio?	Organization, Location, HealthcareService
Comunicazioni e documenti	È un messaggio o un’informazione trasmessa?	Communication, DocumentReference, Media, Consent
Amministrazione e pianificazione	È pianificato, gestito o tracciato?	Encounter, EpisodeOfCare, Schedule, Task, Appointment

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#2 – Usa le “descrizioni brevi ufficiali”

Sul sito ufficiale [hl7.org/fhir], ogni risorsa ha una short definition che la spiega in una riga.
Esempi:

“The set of services delivered by a healthcare provider organization” → HealthcareService
“Measurements and simple assertions made about a patient” → Observation
“An interaction during which services are provided to the patient” → Encounter

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#3 – Confronta risorse simili

Spesso confusi	Differenza chiave
Observation vs DiagnosticReport	Observation = singolo dato (“sodio: 135 mmol/L”). DiagnosticReport = insieme di osservazioni + interpretazione (referto radiologico).
Procedure vs ServiceRequest	ServiceRequest = richiesta (“richiesta TAC”). Procedure = esecuzione (“TAC eseguita il 25/10/2025”).
Organization vs HealthcareService vs Location	Organization = ente (ASP Crotone). HealthcareService = servizio specifico (Farmacia, CSM, CUP). Location = luogo fisico (indirizzo, piano, stanza).
Patient vs RelatedPerson	Patient = soggetto assistito. RelatedPerson = familiare o caregiver collegato.
Practitioner vs PractitionerRole	Practitioner = persona (Dr. Pingitore). PractitionerRole = ruolo o funzione (psicologo RUAS, CUP manager).

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#4 – Consulta i diagrammi ufficiali HL7

[https://hl7.org/fhir/resourcelist.html]

Troverai:

– elenco alfabetico di tutte le risorse;
– elenco per categoria (Clinical, Administrative, Financial, Workflow);
– link diretti alle definizioni.

Per le versioni più recenti: [https://build.fhir.org].

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#5 – Pensa come un clinico

Usa un linguaggio naturale:

* “Ho una prescrizione” → **MedicationRequest**
* “Ho un referto” → **DiagnosticReport**
* “Ho una misurazione” → **Observation**
* “Ho un esame richiesto” → **ServiceRequest**
* “Ho un intervento fatto” → **Procedure**

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🇬🇧 How to Choose the Right HL7 FHIR Resource: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Navigating dozens of HL7 FHIR resources can feel like a maze — especially for professionals working in public health or regional health information systems.

Here’s a practical and structured way to choose the right resource.

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#1 – Start with the type of information you want to represent

Ask yourself:

“Am I describing data, an action, a person, or a place?”

Category	Guiding Question	Example Resources
Clinical data	Is it a measurement or result?	Observation, DiagnosticReport, Condition, AllergyIntolerance, Specimen
Healthcare actions or events	Is it something performed or requested?	ServiceRequest, Procedure, MedicationRequest, Appointment, Encounter
People and roles	Who performs or receives it?	Patient, Practitioner, PractitionerRole, RelatedPerson
Organizations and places	Where or by whom is it delivered?	Organization, Location, HealthcareService
Communication and documents	Is it an exchange of information?	Communication, DocumentReference, Media, Consent
Administration and scheduling	Is it planned or tracked?	Encounter, EpisodeOfCare, Schedule, Task, Appointment

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#2 – Use the official short definitions

Visit [hl7.org/fhir]: each resource starts with a one-line definition that clarifies its intent.

“The set of services delivered by a healthcare provider organization” → HealthcareService
“Measurements and simple assertions made about a patient”→ Observation
“An interaction during which services are provided to the patient”→ Encounter

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#3 – Compare similar resources

Often Confused	Key Difference
Observation vs DiagnosticReport	Observation = single data point. DiagnosticReport = group of observations + interpretation.
Procedure vs ServiceRequest	ServiceRequest = request. Procedure = execution.
Organization vs HealthcareService vs Location	Organization = entity. HealthcareService = specific service. Location = physical site.
Patient vs RelatedPerson	Patient = care recipient. RelatedPerson = family or caregiver.
Practitioner vs PractitionerRole	Practitioner = person. PractitionerRole = their specific function.

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#4 – Explore the official HL7 resource list

[https://hl7.org/fhir/resourcelist.html]

Includes alphabetical and categorized listings with direct definitions.
For the latest updates: [https://build.fhir.org]

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#5 – Think clinically

* “I have a prescription” → MedicationRequest
* “I have a report” → DiagnosticReport
* “I have a measurement” → Observation
* “I have a test request” → ServiceRequest
* “I have a performed surgery” → Procedure