This document provides a detailed, step-by-step explanation of the data flow from a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to a Hospital Management System (HMS) using the Yoctobe Integration Engine.

1. Data Export from LIMS

• The process begins with the LIMS exporting test results.
• This export can be triggered by various events, such as test completion, scheduled batch exports, or manual initiation.
• The exported data typically includes patient information, test details, results, and any relevant metadata.

2. Data Ingestion by Yoctobe Integration Engine

• The Yoctobe Integration Engine receives the exported data from the LIMS.
• This ingestion can occur through various methods:
  • API calls (REST, SOAP, etc.)
  • File transfers (SFTP, S3, etc.)
  • Database queries
  • Message queues (Kafka, RabbitMQ, etc.)

3. Data Validation and Transformation

• Once ingested, the data undergoes validation to ensure integrity and completeness.
• Validation checks may include:
  • Data type verification
  • Range checks for numerical values
  • Presence of required fields
  • Consistency checks across related data points
• After validation, the data is transformed to meet the requirements of the target system(s).
• Transformation processes may include:
  • Data format conversion (e.g., CSV to JSON)
  • Field mapping
  • Data enrichment from additional sources
  • Aggregation or disaggregation of data points

4. Data Routing

• The transformed data is then routed based on the required output format or destination.
• The Yoctobe Integration Engine supports multiple routing options: a. FHIR API Endpoint b. Custom API Endpoint c. Direct Database Insertion d. File Storage System

4a. FHIR API Endpoint

• For HMS systems that support FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources):
  • Data is formatted according to FHIR specifications.
  • The engine prepares a FHIR-compliant API call.
  • The formatted data is sent to the HMS’s FHIR API endpoint.

4b. Custom API Endpoint

• For HMS systems with proprietary or non-standard APIs:
  • Data is formatted according to the specific API requirements.
  • The engine prepares a custom API call tailored to the HMS’s specifications.
  • The formatted data is sent to the HMS’s custom API endpoint.

4c. Direct Database Insertion

• For scenarios requiring direct database updates:
  • The engine connects to the HMS database using appropriate credentials.
  • SQL queries are prepared to insert or update the relevant tables.
  • Data is directly inserted into or updated in the HMS database.

4d. File Storage System

• When file-based data transfer is preferred:
  • The engine generates files in the required format (e.g., CSV, XML, JSON).
  • Files are transferred to the designated storage system (e.g., network drive, cloud storage).
  • The HMS can then access these files for processing.

5. Data Processing by HMS

• The Hospital Management System receives the data through one or more of the above methods.
• The HMS then processes the received data, which may involve:
  • Updating patient records
  • Generating reports
  • Triggering notifications
  • Updating billing information

6. Error Handling

• Throughout the entire process, the Yoctobe Integration Engine implements error handling:
  • Errors are logged with relevant details (timestamp, error type, affected data, etc.).
  • Critical errors trigger alerts to the IT support team.
  • The engine may attempt error recovery or data reprocessing based on predefined rules.

7. Monitoring and Reporting

• A monitoring dashboard provides real-time metrics on the integration process:
  • Number of records processed
  • Success/failure rates
  • Processing times
  • System health indicators
• This allows for proactive management and optimization of the integration process.