Introduction:
Greetings, dear readers! It's with a mix of emotions that I pen down this blog post, for the end of my Google Summer of Code (GSoC) journey is drawing near. As I look back on the incredible weeks that have led me to this point, I'm filled with a sense of accomplishment, gratitude, and a touch of nostalgia. Join me as I reflect on the experiences, challenges, and growth that have defined this remarkable journey.
A Journey of Learning and Growth:
The past weeks of GSoC have been a whirlwind of coding challenges, collaboration with mentors and peers, and a continuous drive to make meaningful contributions. From delving into the complexities of healthcare interoperability to mastering the nuances of the OpenMRS data model, every step of this journey has been a learning opportunity.
New Horizons: Mapping FHIR Contact Points to OpenMRS Data Model:
In the realm of healthcare data interoperability, mapping data structures from one standard to another can be both fascinating and complex. One such challenge arises when we consider "Contact Points" in FHIR and their representation in OpenMRS. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of this mapping process, particularly focusing on the intriguing concept of determining the priority or "rank" of different values. Join me as we delve into the world of Contact Points and unravel the puzzle of priorities!
Understanding Contact Points in FHIR and OpenMRS:
In the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard, Contact Points play a vital role in representing various means of contacting an individual, such as phone numbers, emails, faxes, and pagers. These contact details hold different types and values, providing comprehensive ways to reach out to patients, providers, and other stakeholders.
On the other hand, OpenMRS manages these types of data through Attributes. Attributes like PersonAttributes, LocationAttributes, and ProviderAttributes are used to store additional information about persons, locations, and providers. While the structure seems clear, a significant challenge arises when we consider the ranking or priority of these values.
Prioritizing Values: The FHIR "Rank" Conundrum:
FHIR introduces the concept of "rank" to indicate the relative priority of different contact values. For example, if a patient has multiple phone numbers, the rank helps determine which phone number should be preferred for communication. This prioritization ensures efficient and effective contact strategies. In the OpenMRS ecosystem, this notion of "rank" is not inherently present. The challenge lies in translating FHIR's rank-based approach into OpenMRS's attribute-based system. How do we decide which phone number or email to prioritize when contacting a patient?
Solution
The solution we came up with was to create a mapping table called fhir_contact_points_map between attribute and attribute_type that would store values like system, use and rank. It is those values what we translate in the telecom translator. Catch the ongoing work at https://github.com/openmrs/openmrs-module-fhir2/pull/517/files
The Joy of Collaboration:
The heart of open-source development lies in collaboration. Through code reviews, discussions, and interactions with the OpenMRS community, I've come to appreciate the power of collective wisdom. Collaborating with experienced mentors and learning from their feedback has been instrumental in elevating the quality of my work.
Celebrating Milestones:
Looking back, I can't help but celebrate the milestones achieved during this journey. From implementing critical features to squashing bugs and enhancing documentation, each achievement has contributed to the evolution of the OpenMRS FHIR2 module. These accomplishments wouldn't have been possible without the encouragement and support of the community.
Personal Growth and Beyond:
Beyond the code, GSoC has been a catalyst for personal growth. I've become a more resilient problem-solver, a better communicator, and a more effective collaborator. These skills extend beyond the realm of technology, enriching my journey both as a developer and as an individual.
A Bittersweet Farewell:
As GSoC reaches its conclusion, I can't help but feel a bittersweet mix of emotions. While saying goodbye to this chapter is not easy, I'm filled with gratitude for the experiences, connections, and insights I've gained. GSoC has been more than just a coding program; it's been a transformative experience that will resonate in my journey ahead.
Conclusion:
As I bid adieu to GSoC, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the OpenMRS community, mentors, peers, and readers like you who have been a part of this journey. The end might be nigh, but the memories, lessons, and connections forged during these weeks will endure. This is not the end, but a stepping stone to new endeavors, fresh challenges, and a continued commitment to the open-source spirit.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Here's to the end and to new beginnings! Until we meet again.
Cheers!
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