Context manager: what additional features do I need?
The primary function of a context management system is to synchronise various applications within an IT system to act as a single interface. Besides the basics, there are a host of additional features that you should consider when selecting a context manager to suit your needs. Some of these extras increase efficiency, while others might be essential to get the job done in the right way – like when it comes to compliance with international standards.
Within healthcare interoperability, a context manager streamlines data access and entry by allowing a clinician to click on a patient’s name to bring up all the records associated with that patient. A capable context manager will be able to provide a common language for even older or non-compatible applications, which enables compliance with international standards. In this case, certain additional features of a context manager are necessary to maximise patient safety. Unfortunately, glitches in data communication are all too common and can have potentially devastating consequences, so the basics may not be enough.
Consider the HL7 standard of CCOW, a guideline highly relevant to healthcare data communication. A context manager that can CCOW-enable all types of applications across mixed-mode architecture streamlines compliance with HL7 standards. The HL7 workgroup designed the standards to have a high degree of flexibility and adaptability so that any healthcare organisation can start using them right away without complicated installation. This advantage has its downside since it results in a considerable variety of applications within any given system. While some hospitals may have the latest CCOW versions, others may have older applications that complicate data synchronisation within the same system.
Essential “extras”
Critical configurations include different modes of context synchronisation, single sign-on (SSO), scalability, deployment models, and auxiliary applications. An ideal context manager with highly configurable functionality that can quickly adapt to a specific setup will be able to meet the requirements of any organisation. Here’s a brief run-through of these additional features:
1- and 2-way context synchronisation
Context synchronisation enables data consistency across a system of disparate applications. The different modes of context synchronisation are 1-way (where context is synchronised one-way only from one application to the others) or 2-way, where the context is synchronised both ways between the applications.
A context manager needs to support both 1-way and 2-way modes to ensure continuous synchronisation according to specific operational needs.
Supports an existing SSO system
Within a CCOW-enabled system, the context manager could be set up in a way that automatically enables access to all the other related applications in the set when accessing one application. Correspondingly, when selecting one patient or user ID, the context manager selects the same patient or user in all the associated applications. However, since many institutions already have a functioning SSO program, an optimal context manager supports an existing SSO solution.
Capable of scaling to client volumes
The HL7 international website mentions that the primary motivation for CCOW’s development was to synchronise sixty disparate systems. Whether the need depends upon a small departmental organisation or a large-scale enterprise setup, a capable context manager can adjust to the size of a specific operation.
Adaptable deployment models
Depending on an organisation’s particular system, it will require a specific type of deployment model. A versatile context manager will support both on-premise backend server setup as well as an in-cloud backend server setup.
Supports auxiliary applications
In addition to the wide variety of disparate applications in healthcare data systems, they also commonly include additional auxiliary applications. The context manager needs to be able to synchronise these external applications with the primary applications. The ability to synchronise auxiliary applications ensures access to the correct data. It serves as a protection against the potential mishap outlined in the preface concerning the clinician’s selection of the incorrect set of x-ray images.
Comprehensive functionalities
Besides facilitating a CCOW-enabled system, an adaptable context manager will be able to support multiple levels of functionality. A highly configurable system ensures the safety, security, and productivity of a healthcare system. Healthcares’ critical applications and environments demand flawless data synchronisation.
For this reason, not only does a context manager need to comply with the standards and have additional features to support a wide variety of requirements, but it is also of great value if it is an established, live-running model. The technology of a proven, established system would offer comprehensive properties, such as:
• Established, battle-tested system
• Well-established, recognised contacts
• Vendor-neutral
• SaaS solution with a range of SLA
• Support levels and options
• Long-term contracts
• Fast-deployable
• Operational properties
Let’s take a closer look at these functionalities:
Established, battle-tested system
While a breakthrough adaptation and experimental technology both have the potential to provide an ideal solution, a trusted context management system, which is up and running and has proven successful over time, is one that you know you can rely on. And reliability is key in critical contexts like healthcare.
Well-established contacts
A strong network speaks volumes about a context management system’s reliability. Well-established relationships with dependable contacts guarantee that the system is trustworthy and will deliver the highest-quality performance.
Vendor-neutral
Vendor-neutrality allows systems to work independently from contact application providers. As the Clinical Context Object Workgroup demonstrates, this autonomy facilitates a cooperative program free from competing services and focuses on the client’s requirements.
SaaS solution with a range of SLA
An example of a preferred package is one that can offer a complete context management solution as Software as a Service model. An ideal on-demand software agreement will include a range of Service Level Agreements depending on the customer’s needs. For a program requiring minimal support, a best-effort SLA is sufficient. On the other side of the spectrum, a complete High Availability setup would guarantee close to 100% service availability, with features such as fully redundant application servers, database setup, and load balancer setup.
Support level and options
Multiple support levels and options allow customers to choose the best solution based on their particular needs. For example, a complete solution portfolio might offer in-depth support, problem-solving, software handling and operational issues, with an extended 24/7/365 option for the maximum level of coverage.
Long-term contracts
A long-term contract facilitates customer feedback, which helps to improve existing products, influences future developments and releases. It also ensures that the context management system will be a future-proof solution.
Fast-deployable
A swift implementation process and timeframe guarantee fast development and time-to-market.
Operational properties
A comprehensive context management system will deliver supplementary operational properties, including horizontal scalability, high availability, active and active app servers, a built-in load balancer or Netscaler support, zero-downtime upgrade, and encrypted communication.
A data synchronisation system must be able to manage the sweeping requirements of healthcare interoperability seamlessly. Because of this, the importance of a future-proof, adaptable solution cannot be highlighted enough. To sum up, an ideal all-inclusive, compliant, and highly configurable context management solution would be able to demonstrate battle-tested technology and offer additional features as well as extensive operational properties.
Would you like to know more about the context manager that best suits your needs?
Sirenia’s context manager offers all these additional features and functionalities to ensure your system is efficient, fully compliant, and protects patient safety.
Depending on the needs of your current system, we are happy to discuss a context management solution that’s ideal for you. Click below to book a free, non-binding consultation with us – we’re here at your service!
