The knowledge-driven platform : Strategic technologies for a platform ecosystem approach

The current heterogeneous environment, in which the one common characteristic is inconsistency which has resulted in numerous costly consequences, provides the rationale underpinning the need to transform our traditional computing infrastructures to better meet the needs of this new digital era. Three possible options to solve these issues are identified. A preferred option is to strategically adopt an open knowledge-based platform able to provide a solid foundation for a digital health ecosystem’s architecture. Core services needed in a digital health platform need to be included in such developments, incorporating an open platform. The first and most central design concept is the health record; its contents need to be able to support process-driven health IT throughout the ecosystem supporting patient health journeys and all data supply chain use cases. Transitional arrangements using legacy systems including platform development organisational structures, the evolution of platform use, the mixed development economy, changing health IT roles, and conformance points for procurement purposes are described.