MerrionEHR is a web-based electronic health registry system. It is developed for the web and incorporates an open framework built on platform-independent technology.
Built under the guidelines of OpenEHR and Health Level 7 (HL7), the registry is highly flexible and adaptable across the entire health sector. The registry is fully web-based. The database maintains a 5-tier security system ensuring data integrity.
In addition to the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland, the system has recently been implemented into the Alpha 1 Registry, Cancer Research Ireland, Myeloma Registry and the European Cystic Fibrosis Society.
openEHR is an open standard specification that describes the management and storage, retrieval and exchange of health data in electronic health records (EHRs). In openEHR, all health data for a person is stored in a "one lifetime", vendor-independent, person-centred EHR. The primary focus of openEHR is NOT the exchange of data between EHR-systems; this is the primary focus of Message standards such as ISO13606 and HL7.
The openEHR specifications are maintained by the openEHR Foundation, a not for profit foundation supporting the open research, development, and implementation of openEHR EHRs. The openEHR specifications are based on a combination of 15 years of European and Australian research and development into EHRs and new paradigms, including what has become known as the archetype methodologyfor specification of content.
"In 2001, my request was new to Ecom; they had never before built a medical/clinical database which would be available on-line to (in this case) all cystic fibrosis centres in the country. But, they know how internet databases work. From my first meeting with Ecom I knew that I could communicate with them; they knew what I wanted before I did.
They have built a ‘data-entry’ module and a ‘reporting module’ which fulfill all our needs. Our collaboration has created the first on-line CF database in the world, with the largest number of fields available on any CF database. This will prove to be a model for many other countries/continents. They are helpful and intuitive and have contributed many improvements along the way."
- Linda M Foley, Director, Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland
