Canadian Baseline
1.1.0 - CI Build Canada flag

Canadian Baseline, published by HL7 Canada - FHIR Implementation Work Group. This guide is not an authorized publication; it is the continuous build for version 1.1.0 built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) CI Build. This version is based on the current content of https://github.com/HL7-Canada/ca-baseline/ and changes regularly. See the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: Observation Profile (General)

Official URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/ca/baseline/StructureDefinition/profile-observation Version: 1.1.0
Draft as of 2022-03-25 Computable Name: ObservationProfile

Proposed constraints on the Observation Resource for general use. 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).

CA Baseline Observation (General Use) Profile

While this profile does not currently apply MS constraints on the hasMember or component elements, this profile is seeking community and implementer feedback on how both elements are being used to assess whether consistent patterns can be identified for use in the Canadian landscape.
Feedback can be provided through the Simplifier issue log for this 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)

Usage:

Formal Views of Profile Content

Description of Profiles, Differentials, Snapshots and how the different presentations work.

This structure is derived from Observation

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. 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.

... 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

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings (Differential)

PathConformanceValueSetURI
Observation.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. 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
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... status ?!Σ 1..1 code registered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation.

... 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
... effective[x] SΣ 0..1 Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
.... effectiveDateTime dateTime
.... effectivePeriod Period
... 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.

... component Σ 0..* BackboneElement Component results
.... 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.


doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

PathConformanceValueSetURI
Observation.statusrequiredObservationStatus
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.categorypreferredObservationCategoryCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.dataAbsentReasonextensibleDataAbsentReason
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.dataAbsentReasonextensibleDataAbsentReason
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
from the FHIR Standard

Constraints

IdGradePath(s)DetailsRequirements
dom-2errorObservationIf the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources
: contained.contained.empty()
dom-3errorObservationIf 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-4errorObservationIf 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-5errorObservationIf a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label
: contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6best practiceObservationA resource should have narrative for robust management
: text.`div`.exists()
ele-1error**ALL** elementsAll FHIR elements must have a @value or children
: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1error**ALL** extensionsMust have either extensions or value[x], not both
: extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-6errorObservationdataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present
: dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7errorObservationIf 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()
NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. 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 BindingsPurpose
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

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

PathConformanceValueSetURI
Observation.languagepreferredCommonLanguages
Additional Bindings Purpose
AllLanguages Max Binding
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.statusrequiredObservationStatus
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.categorypreferredObservationCategoryCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.dataAbsentReasonextensibleDataAbsentReason
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.interpretationextensibleObservationInterpretationCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.bodySiteexampleSNOMEDCTBodyStructures
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.methodexampleObservationMethods
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-methods
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.referenceRange.typepreferredObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-meaning
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.referenceRange.appliesToexampleObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-appliesto
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.dataAbsentReasonextensibleDataAbsentReason
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.interpretationextensibleObservationInterpretationCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation
from the FHIR Standard

Constraints

IdGradePath(s)DetailsRequirements
dom-2errorObservationIf the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources
: contained.contained.empty()
dom-3errorObservationIf 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-4errorObservationIf 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-5errorObservationIf a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label
: contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6best practiceObservationA resource should have narrative for robust management
: text.`div`.exists()
ele-1error**ALL** elementsAll FHIR elements must have a @value or children
: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1error**ALL** extensionsMust have either extensions or value[x], not both
: extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-3errorObservation.referenceRangeMust have at least a low or a high or text
: low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists()
obs-6errorObservationdataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present
: dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7errorObservationIf 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

Differential View

This structure is derived from Observation

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. 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.

... 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

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings (Differential)

PathConformanceValueSetURI
Observation.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard

Key Elements View

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. 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
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... status ?!Σ 1..1 code registered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation.

... 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
... effective[x] SΣ 0..1 Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
.... effectiveDateTime dateTime
.... effectivePeriod Period
... 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.

... component Σ 0..* BackboneElement Component results
.... 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.


doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

PathConformanceValueSetURI
Observation.statusrequiredObservationStatus
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.categorypreferredObservationCategoryCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.dataAbsentReasonextensibleDataAbsentReason
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.dataAbsentReasonextensibleDataAbsentReason
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
from the FHIR Standard

Constraints

IdGradePath(s)DetailsRequirements
dom-2errorObservationIf the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources
: contained.contained.empty()
dom-3errorObservationIf 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-4errorObservationIf 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-5errorObservationIf a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label
: contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6best practiceObservationA resource should have narrative for robust management
: text.`div`.exists()
ele-1error**ALL** elementsAll FHIR elements must have a @value or children
: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1error**ALL** extensionsMust have either extensions or value[x], not both
: extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-6errorObservationdataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present
: dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7errorObservationIf 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

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. 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 BindingsPurpose
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

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

PathConformanceValueSetURI
Observation.languagepreferredCommonLanguages
Additional Bindings Purpose
AllLanguages Max Binding
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.statusrequiredObservationStatus
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.categorypreferredObservationCategoryCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.dataAbsentReasonextensibleDataAbsentReason
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.interpretationextensibleObservationInterpretationCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.bodySiteexampleSNOMEDCTBodyStructures
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.methodexampleObservationMethods
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-methods
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.referenceRange.typepreferredObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-meaning
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.referenceRange.appliesToexampleObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-appliesto
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.codepreferredLOINCCodes (a valid code from LOINC)
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.dataAbsentReasonextensibleDataAbsentReason
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
from the FHIR Standard
Observation.component.interpretationextensibleObservationInterpretationCodes
http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation
from the FHIR Standard

Constraints

IdGradePath(s)DetailsRequirements
dom-2errorObservationIf the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources
: contained.contained.empty()
dom-3errorObservationIf 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-4errorObservationIf 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-5errorObservationIf a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label
: contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6best practiceObservationA resource should have narrative for robust management
: text.`div`.exists()
ele-1error**ALL** elementsAll FHIR elements must have a @value or children
: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1error**ALL** extensionsMust have either extensions or value[x], not both
: extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-3errorObservation.referenceRangeMust have at least a low or a high or text
: low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists()
obs-6errorObservationdataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present
: dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7errorObservationIf 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

 

Other representations of profile: CSV, Excel, Schematron

Notes:

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.