CA Baseline Observation (General Use) Profile

This profile sets minimum expectations for the Observation resource to represent various observations if no other, more specific profile is applicable. An observation is a measurement or assertion about a subject (person, group, device, location, or another subject).

This profile defines localization concepts for use in the Canadian context.

Mandatory Data Elements

All elements or attributes within the FHIR specification have cardinality as part of their definition - a minimum number of required appearances and a maximum number of allowable appearances.

Most elements in the FHIR specification have a minimum cardinality of 0, so most elements are not required and subsequently they may be missing from a resource when it is exchanged between systems.

Required elements in the Observation (General Use) profile:

• status of the result value (Observation.status)
• type of observation (Observation.code)
• subject of the observation (Observation.subject)

Must Support Data Elements

Some elements are marked as Must Support. This means that implementations generating, receiving, or otherwise using resources with Must Support elements SHALL provide support for those elements in some meaningful way (see Must Support definition).

The following elements are marked as Must Support in the Observation (General Use) profile:

Must Support elements:

• category
• code
• reference to a subject (Observation.subject)
• effective data
• value
• component code (if implementer supports component)
• component value (if implementer supports component)

Usage Note

Observation (General Use) is intended to capture data associated with most observations; it is not intended to capture data in some cases where a more appropriate profile is applicable (see below). Data typically consists of measurements or assertions about a subject. Observation (General Use) can capture data in eclectic use cases as it incorporates multiple categories of observations and datatypes. Observation (General Use) can capture data such as:

• Clinical observations such as clinical finding, diagnosis, disorder
• Demographic information
• Device measurements
• Determinants of health such as housing status, income, family support

Observation (General Use) should not be used if one of the following profiles is applicable:

• Observation (Laboratory Results)
• Observation (Vitals)

• Differential Table
• Key Elements Table
• Snapshot Table
• Statistics/References
• All

This structure is derived from Observation

Name	Flags	Card.	Type	Description & Constraints
Observation		0..*	Observation	Observation Profile
status		1..1	code	registered | preliminary | final | amended +
category	S	0..*	CodeableConcept	Classification of type of observation
code	S	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations.
subject	S	1..1	Reference(Patient Profile | Group | Device | Location)	Who and/or what the observation is about
effective[x]	S	0..1		Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
effectiveDateTime			dateTime
effectivePeriod			Period
value[x]	S	0..1	Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period	Actual result
dataAbsentReason		0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the result is missing
component		0..*	BackboneElement	Component results
code	S	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of component observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations.
value[x]	S	0..1	Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period	Actual component result
dataAbsentReason		0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the component result is missing
Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings (Differential)

Path	Conformance	ValueSet	URI
Observation.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard

Name	Flags	Card.	Type	Description & Constraints
Observation	C	0..*	Observation	Observation Profile dom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management obs-6: dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present obs-7: If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present
implicitRules	?!Σ	0..1	uri	A set of rules under which this content was created ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
modifierExtension	?!	0..*	Extension	Extensions that cannot be ignored ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both
status	?!Σ	1..1	code	registered | preliminary | final | amended + Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
category	S	0..*	CodeableConcept	Classification of type of observation Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
code	SΣ	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
subject	SΣ	1..1	Reference(Patient Profile | Group | Device | Location)	Who and/or what the observation is about ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
effective[x]	SΣ	0..1		Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
effectiveDateTime			dateTime
effectivePeriod			Period
value[x]	SΣC	0..1		Actual result ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
valueQuantity			Quantity
valueCodeableConcept			CodeableConcept
valueString			string
valueBoolean			boolean
valueInteger			integer
valueRange			Range
valueRatio			Ratio
valueSampledData			SampledData
valueTime			time
valueDateTime			dateTime
valuePeriod			Period
dataAbsentReason	C	0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the result is missing Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
component	Σ	0..*	BackboneElement	Component results ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
modifierExtension	?!Σ	0..*	Extension	Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both
code	SΣ	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of component observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
value[x]	SΣ	0..1		Actual component result ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
valueQuantity			Quantity
valueCodeableConcept			CodeableConcept
valueString			string
valueBoolean			boolean
valueInteger			integer
valueRange			Range
valueRatio			Ratio
valueSampledData			SampledData
valueTime			time
valueDateTime			dateTime
valuePeriod			Period
dataAbsentReason	C	0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the component result is missing Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path	Conformance	ValueSet	URI
Observation.status	required	ObservationStatus http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1 from the FHIR Standard
Observation.category	preferred	ObservationCategoryCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category from the FHIR Standard
Observation.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard
Observation.dataAbsentReason	extensible	DataAbsentReason http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.dataAbsentReason	extensible	DataAbsentReason http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason from the FHIR Standard

Constraints

Id	Grade	Path(s)	Details	Requirements
dom-2	error	Observation	If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources : contained.contained.empty()
dom-3	error	Observation	If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource : contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4	error	Observation	If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated : contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5	error	Observation	If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label : contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6	best practice	Observation	A resource should have narrative for robust management : text.`div`.exists()
ele-1	error	**ALL** elements	All FHIR elements must have a @value or children : hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1	error	**ALL** extensions	Must have either extensions or value[x], not both : extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-6	error	Observation	dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present : dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7	error	Observation	If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present : value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

Name	Flags	Card.	Type	Description & Constraints
Observation	C	0..*	Observation	Observation Profile obs-6: dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present obs-7: If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present
id	Σ	0..1	id	Logical id of this artifact
meta	Σ	0..1	Meta	Metadata about the resource
implicitRules	?!Σ	0..1	uri	A set of rules under which this content was created
language		0..1	code	Language of the resource content Binding: CommonLanguages (preferred): A human language. Additional Bindings Purpose AllLanguages Max Binding
text		0..1	Narrative	Text summary of the resource, for human interpretation
contained		0..*	Resource	Contained, inline Resources
extension		0..*	Extension	Additional content defined by implementations
modifierExtension	?!	0..*	Extension	Extensions that cannot be ignored
identifier	Σ	0..*	Identifier	Business Identifier for observation
basedOn	Σ	0..*	Reference(CarePlan | DeviceRequest | ImmunizationRecommendation | MedicationRequest | NutritionOrder | ServiceRequest)	Fulfills plan, proposal or order
partOf	Σ	0..*	Reference(MedicationAdministration | MedicationDispense | MedicationStatement | Procedure | Immunization | ImagingStudy)	Part of referenced event
status	?!Σ	1..1	code	registered | preliminary | final | amended + Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation.
category	S	0..*	CodeableConcept	Classification of type of observation Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.
code	SΣ	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations.
subject	SΣ	1..1	Reference(Patient Profile | Group | Device | Location)	Who and/or what the observation is about
focus	Σ	0..*	Reference(Resource)	What the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
encounter	Σ	0..1	Reference(Encounter)	Healthcare event during which this observation is made
effective[x]	SΣ	0..1		Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
effectiveDateTime			dateTime
effectivePeriod			Period
issued	Σ	0..1	instant	Date/Time this version was made available
performer	Σ	0..*	Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | Organization | CareTeam | Patient | RelatedPerson)	Who is responsible for the observation
value[x]	SΣC	0..1		Actual result
valueQuantity			Quantity
valueCodeableConcept			CodeableConcept
valueString			string
valueBoolean			boolean
valueInteger			integer
valueRange			Range
valueRatio			Ratio
valueSampledData			SampledData
valueTime			time
valueDateTime			dateTime
valuePeriod			Period
dataAbsentReason	C	0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the result is missing Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
interpretation		0..*	CodeableConcept	High, low, normal, etc. Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
note		0..*	Annotation	Comments about the observation
bodySite		0..1	CodeableConcept	Observed body part Binding: SNOMEDCTBodyStructures (example): Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.
method		0..1	CodeableConcept	How it was done Binding: ObservationMethods (example): Methods for simple observations.
specimen		0..1	Reference(Specimen)	Specimen used for this observation
device		0..1	Reference(Device | DeviceMetric)	(Measurement) Device
referenceRange	C	0..*	BackboneElement	Provides guide for interpretation obs-3: Must have at least a low or a high or text
id		0..1	string	Unique id for inter-element referencing
extension		0..*	Extension	Additional content defined by implementations
modifierExtension	?!Σ	0..*	Extension	Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
low	C	0..1	SimpleQuantity	Low Range, if relevant
high	C	0..1	SimpleQuantity	High Range, if relevant
type		0..1	CodeableConcept	Reference range qualifier Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes (preferred): Code for the meaning of a reference range.
appliesTo		0..*	CodeableConcept	Reference range population Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes (example): Codes identifying the population the reference range applies to.
age		0..1	Range	Applicable age range, if relevant
text		0..1	string	Text based reference range in an observation
hasMember	Σ	0..*	Reference(Observation | QuestionnaireResponse | MolecularSequence)	Related resource that belongs to the Observation group
derivedFrom	Σ	0..*	Reference(DocumentReference | ImagingStudy | Media | QuestionnaireResponse | Observation | MolecularSequence)	Related measurements the observation is made from
component	Σ	0..*	BackboneElement	Component results
id		0..1	string	Unique id for inter-element referencing
extension		0..*	Extension	Additional content defined by implementations
modifierExtension	?!Σ	0..*	Extension	Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
code	SΣ	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of component observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations.
value[x]	SΣ	0..1		Actual component result
valueQuantity			Quantity
valueCodeableConcept			CodeableConcept
valueString			string
valueBoolean			boolean
valueInteger			integer
valueRange			Range
valueRatio			Ratio
valueSampledData			SampledData
valueTime			time
valueDateTime			dateTime
valuePeriod			Period
dataAbsentReason	C	0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the component result is missing Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
interpretation		0..*	CodeableConcept	High, low, normal, etc. Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
referenceRange		0..*	See referenceRange (Observation)	Provides guide for interpretation of component result
Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path	Conformance	ValueSet	URI
Observation.language	preferred	CommonLanguages http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages from the FHIR Standard Additional Bindings Purpose AllLanguages Max Binding
Observation.status	required	ObservationStatus http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1 from the FHIR Standard
Observation.category	preferred	ObservationCategoryCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category from the FHIR Standard
Observation.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard
Observation.dataAbsentReason	extensible	DataAbsentReason http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason from the FHIR Standard
Observation.interpretation	extensible	ObservationInterpretationCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation from the FHIR Standard
Observation.bodySite	example	SNOMEDCTBodyStructures http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site from the FHIR Standard
Observation.method	example	ObservationMethods http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-methods from the FHIR Standard
Observation.referenceRange.type	preferred	ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-meaning from the FHIR Standard
Observation.referenceRange.appliesTo	example	ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-appliesto from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.dataAbsentReason	extensible	DataAbsentReason http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.interpretation	extensible	ObservationInterpretationCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation from the FHIR Standard

Constraints

Id	Grade	Path(s)	Details	Requirements
dom-2	error	Observation	If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources : contained.contained.empty()
dom-3	error	Observation	If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource : contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4	error	Observation	If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated : contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5	error	Observation	If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label : contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6	best practice	Observation	A resource should have narrative for robust management : text.`div`.exists()
ele-1	error	**ALL** elements	All FHIR elements must have a @value or children : hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1	error	**ALL** extensions	Must have either extensions or value[x], not both : extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-3	error	Observation.referenceRange	Must have at least a low or a high or text : low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists()
obs-6	error	Observation	dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present : dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7	error	Observation	If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present : value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

Differential View

This structure is derived from Observation

Name	Flags	Card.	Type	Description & Constraints
Observation		0..*	Observation	Observation Profile
status		1..1	code	registered | preliminary | final | amended +
category	S	0..*	CodeableConcept	Classification of type of observation
code	S	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations.
subject	S	1..1	Reference(Patient Profile | Group | Device | Location)	Who and/or what the observation is about
effective[x]	S	0..1		Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
effectiveDateTime			dateTime
effectivePeriod			Period
value[x]	S	0..1	Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period	Actual result
dataAbsentReason		0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the result is missing
component		0..*	BackboneElement	Component results
code	S	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of component observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations.
value[x]	S	0..1	Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period	Actual component result
dataAbsentReason		0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the component result is missing
Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings (Differential)

Path	Conformance	ValueSet	URI
Observation.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard

Key Elements View

Name	Flags	Card.	Type	Description & Constraints
Observation	C	0..*	Observation	Observation Profile dom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management obs-6: dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present obs-7: If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present
implicitRules	?!Σ	0..1	uri	A set of rules under which this content was created ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
modifierExtension	?!	0..*	Extension	Extensions that cannot be ignored ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both
status	?!Σ	1..1	code	registered | preliminary | final | amended + Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
category	S	0..*	CodeableConcept	Classification of type of observation Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
code	SΣ	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
subject	SΣ	1..1	Reference(Patient Profile | Group | Device | Location)	Who and/or what the observation is about ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
effective[x]	SΣ	0..1		Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
effectiveDateTime			dateTime
effectivePeriod			Period
value[x]	SΣC	0..1		Actual result ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
valueQuantity			Quantity
valueCodeableConcept			CodeableConcept
valueString			string
valueBoolean			boolean
valueInteger			integer
valueRange			Range
valueRatio			Ratio
valueSampledData			SampledData
valueTime			time
valueDateTime			dateTime
valuePeriod			Period
dataAbsentReason	C	0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the result is missing Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
component	Σ	0..*	BackboneElement	Component results ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
modifierExtension	?!Σ	0..*	Extension	Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both
code	SΣ	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of component observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
value[x]	SΣ	0..1		Actual component result ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
valueQuantity			Quantity
valueCodeableConcept			CodeableConcept
valueString			string
valueBoolean			boolean
valueInteger			integer
valueRange			Range
valueRatio			Ratio
valueSampledData			SampledData
valueTime			time
valueDateTime			dateTime
valuePeriod			Period
dataAbsentReason	C	0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the component result is missing Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing. ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path	Conformance	ValueSet	URI
Observation.status	required	ObservationStatus http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1 from the FHIR Standard
Observation.category	preferred	ObservationCategoryCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category from the FHIR Standard
Observation.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard
Observation.dataAbsentReason	extensible	DataAbsentReason http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.dataAbsentReason	extensible	DataAbsentReason http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason from the FHIR Standard

Constraints

Id	Grade	Path(s)	Details	Requirements
dom-2	error	Observation	If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources : contained.contained.empty()
dom-3	error	Observation	If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource : contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4	error	Observation	If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated : contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5	error	Observation	If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label : contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6	best practice	Observation	A resource should have narrative for robust management : text.`div`.exists()
ele-1	error	**ALL** elements	All FHIR elements must have a @value or children : hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1	error	**ALL** extensions	Must have either extensions or value[x], not both : extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-6	error	Observation	dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present : dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7	error	Observation	If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present : value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

Snapshot View

Name	Flags	Card.	Type	Description & Constraints
Observation	C	0..*	Observation	Observation Profile obs-6: dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present obs-7: If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present
id	Σ	0..1	id	Logical id of this artifact
meta	Σ	0..1	Meta	Metadata about the resource
implicitRules	?!Σ	0..1	uri	A set of rules under which this content was created
language		0..1	code	Language of the resource content Binding: CommonLanguages (preferred): A human language. Additional Bindings Purpose AllLanguages Max Binding
text		0..1	Narrative	Text summary of the resource, for human interpretation
contained		0..*	Resource	Contained, inline Resources
extension		0..*	Extension	Additional content defined by implementations
modifierExtension	?!	0..*	Extension	Extensions that cannot be ignored
identifier	Σ	0..*	Identifier	Business Identifier for observation
basedOn	Σ	0..*	Reference(CarePlan | DeviceRequest | ImmunizationRecommendation | MedicationRequest | NutritionOrder | ServiceRequest)	Fulfills plan, proposal or order
partOf	Σ	0..*	Reference(MedicationAdministration | MedicationDispense | MedicationStatement | Procedure | Immunization | ImagingStudy)	Part of referenced event
status	?!Σ	1..1	code	registered | preliminary | final | amended + Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation.
category	S	0..*	CodeableConcept	Classification of type of observation Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.
code	SΣ	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations.
subject	SΣ	1..1	Reference(Patient Profile | Group | Device | Location)	Who and/or what the observation is about
focus	Σ	0..*	Reference(Resource)	What the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
encounter	Σ	0..1	Reference(Encounter)	Healthcare event during which this observation is made
effective[x]	SΣ	0..1		Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
effectiveDateTime			dateTime
effectivePeriod			Period
issued	Σ	0..1	instant	Date/Time this version was made available
performer	Σ	0..*	Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | Organization | CareTeam | Patient | RelatedPerson)	Who is responsible for the observation
value[x]	SΣC	0..1		Actual result
valueQuantity			Quantity
valueCodeableConcept			CodeableConcept
valueString			string
valueBoolean			boolean
valueInteger			integer
valueRange			Range
valueRatio			Ratio
valueSampledData			SampledData
valueTime			time
valueDateTime			dateTime
valuePeriod			Period
dataAbsentReason	C	0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the result is missing Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
interpretation		0..*	CodeableConcept	High, low, normal, etc. Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
note		0..*	Annotation	Comments about the observation
bodySite		0..1	CodeableConcept	Observed body part Binding: SNOMEDCTBodyStructures (example): Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.
method		0..1	CodeableConcept	How it was done Binding: ObservationMethods (example): Methods for simple observations.
specimen		0..1	Reference(Specimen)	Specimen used for this observation
device		0..1	Reference(Device | DeviceMetric)	(Measurement) Device
referenceRange	C	0..*	BackboneElement	Provides guide for interpretation obs-3: Must have at least a low or a high or text
id		0..1	string	Unique id for inter-element referencing
extension		0..*	Extension	Additional content defined by implementations
modifierExtension	?!Σ	0..*	Extension	Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
low	C	0..1	SimpleQuantity	Low Range, if relevant
high	C	0..1	SimpleQuantity	High Range, if relevant
type		0..1	CodeableConcept	Reference range qualifier Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes (preferred): Code for the meaning of a reference range.
appliesTo		0..*	CodeableConcept	Reference range population Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes (example): Codes identifying the population the reference range applies to.
age		0..1	Range	Applicable age range, if relevant
text		0..1	string	Text based reference range in an observation
hasMember	Σ	0..*	Reference(Observation | QuestionnaireResponse | MolecularSequence)	Related resource that belongs to the Observation group
derivedFrom	Σ	0..*	Reference(DocumentReference | ImagingStudy | Media | QuestionnaireResponse | Observation | MolecularSequence)	Related measurements the observation is made from
component	Σ	0..*	BackboneElement	Component results
id		0..1	string	Unique id for inter-element referencing
extension		0..*	Extension	Additional content defined by implementations
modifierExtension	?!Σ	0..*	Extension	Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
code	SΣ	1..1	CodeableConcept	Type of component observation (code / type) Binding: LOINCCodes (preferred): LOINC codes identifying names of simple observations.
value[x]	SΣ	0..1		Actual component result
valueQuantity			Quantity
valueCodeableConcept			CodeableConcept
valueString			string
valueBoolean			boolean
valueInteger			integer
valueRange			Range
valueRatio			Ratio
valueSampledData			SampledData
valueTime			time
valueDateTime			dateTime
valuePeriod			Period
dataAbsentReason	C	0..1	CodeableConcept	Why the component result is missing Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
interpretation		0..*	CodeableConcept	High, low, normal, etc. Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
referenceRange		0..*	See referenceRange (Observation)	Provides guide for interpretation of component result
Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path	Conformance	ValueSet	URI
Observation.language	preferred	CommonLanguages http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages from the FHIR Standard Additional Bindings Purpose AllLanguages Max Binding
Observation.status	required	ObservationStatus http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1 from the FHIR Standard
Observation.category	preferred	ObservationCategoryCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category from the FHIR Standard
Observation.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard
Observation.dataAbsentReason	extensible	DataAbsentReason http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason from the FHIR Standard
Observation.interpretation	extensible	ObservationInterpretationCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation from the FHIR Standard
Observation.bodySite	example	SNOMEDCTBodyStructures http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site from the FHIR Standard
Observation.method	example	ObservationMethods http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-methods from the FHIR Standard
Observation.referenceRange.type	preferred	ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-meaning from the FHIR Standard
Observation.referenceRange.appliesTo	example	ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-appliesto from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.code	preferred	LOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC) http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.dataAbsentReason	extensible	DataAbsentReason http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.interpretation	extensible	ObservationInterpretationCodes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation from the FHIR Standard

Constraints

Id	Grade	Path(s)	Details	Requirements
dom-2	error	Observation	If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources : contained.contained.empty()
dom-3	error	Observation	If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource : contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4	error	Observation	If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated : contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5	error	Observation	If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label : contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6	best practice	Observation	A resource should have narrative for robust management : text.`div`.exists()
ele-1	error	**ALL** elements	All FHIR elements must have a @value or children : hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1	error	**ALL** extensions	Must have either extensions or value[x], not both : extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-3	error	Observation.referenceRange	Must have at least a low or a high or text : low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists()
obs-6	error	Observation	dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present : dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7	error	Observation	If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present : value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

This structure is derived from Observation

Summary

Mandatory: 1 element
Must-Support: 7 elements

Structures

This structure refers to these other structures:

• Patient Profile (http://hl7.org/fhir/ca/baseline/StructureDefinition/profile-patient)

Using codes in Observation

Additional codes that translate or map to the Observation code or category codes are allowed (see CodeableConcept data type).

Examples:

• providing both a local code and LOINC code
• providing more specific category codes
• providing a SNOMED CT concept
• providing system specific codes

Category

The Observation.category specifies a code that classifies the type of observation. The Observation.category element is a CodeableConcept data type, and more than one code is allowed.

For interoperability reasons, one of the codes SHOULD be from the FHIR standard defined Observation Category Codes.

Local codes are allowed as well. In the case of using local codes, in order to classify the type of observation both category.coding.system and category.coding.code SHOULD be provided.

Code

The Observation.code element describes what was observed. Sometimes this is called the observation "name".

The pan-Canadian LOINC Observation Code Database (pCLOCD) is recommended for use in the Canadian context. pCLOCD Code System URI is https://fhir.infoway-inforoute.ca/CodeSystem/pCLOCD

value[x] and dataAbsentReason

Observation (General Use) uses a name-value pair to code data. When the value for the actual observation is not known, i.e., the value for Observation.value[x] is not available, then Observation.value[x] will not be present and the Observation.dataAbsentReason SHALL be present and will provide a reason why the expected value is missing. Also, the Observation.dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if and only if the value for Observation.value[x] is not present.

The same rule applies when Observation.component is used. I.e., if Observation.component.value[x] is missed, then Observation.component.dataAbsentReason SHALL be present with the reason.