Products of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework
The Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework defines and standardizes health information by way of a Data Content Standard and common data architecture.
The Canadian Core Data for Interoperability (CACDI) is a subset of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework. It defines a standardized set of essential health data elements and value sets to enable pan-Canadian health information exchange.
What’s new in this release
Version 1 of the CACDI and the updated Logical Data Model are now available, featuring refined data elements and definitions, and the addition of a terminology foundation section. These enhancements improve clarity, usability and alignment with interoperability standards.
How the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework products work together
- The Business Context Model outlines the overall project's scope.
- Use cases guide the development of the Information Model, the Conceptual Data Model, and the Logical Data Model. These models are validated by requirements and business rules derived from the use cases.
- The Data Content Standard defines the data elements and value sets included in the Logical Data Model.
- The Canadian Core Data for Interoperability (CACDI) is a subset of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework. The CACDI works in tandem with Canada Health Infoway’s CA Core+ to facilitate interoperability and data exchange.
- The Metamodel shows how the many products of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework are structured and relate to one another.
- The Business Glossary defines the terms used across all products.
- The Metadata, also known as “the data about data,” is incorporated into each product and describes the characteristics of the data.
Using a maturity model to demonstrate readiness for implementation
A maturity model is incorporated in products of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework to document transparency, data-concept completeness, and implementation readiness. The maturity model tracks the evolution of each product.
- Rating = 0 means “work is in progress”
- Rating = 1 means “draft created that includes input from experts”
- Rating = 2 means “has been subject to at least one round of open review”
- Rating = 3 means “ready for implementation”
Detailed product descriptions
Products of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework are available below. See CIHI’s terms of use for more information about the use of these and other products and services.
To view and download the products associated with the Common Data Architecture, you will need an Infoway account. This will permit you to join the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community and to access related products.
Instructions for accessing InfoCentral
Users new to InfoCentral and Infoway must register for an Infoway account to create a username and password. Infoway and InfoCentral will send an email confirming your membership and providing a link to your InfoCentral profile.
Once you have an account, join the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community.
Tip: Please keep an eye on your junk folder, as InfoCentral emails may sometimes land there. If you experience any issues, email infocentral@infoway-inforoute.ca.
Data Content Standard
Status: Available: Draft Version 1, September 2024
The Data Content Standard defines essential data elements and value sets necessary for Connected Care. It specifies the types of data to be collected, such as diagnoses, and the languages and formats to be used, such as SNOMED CT codes. This ensures that data is accurate, compatible, uniform and consistent across different systems. Value sets, which are lists of specific values assigned to data elements, ensure standardized and meaningful data exchange, improving data quality and reusability.
Download the Data Content Standard (PDF)
View this product in the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community on InfoCentral.
Canadian Core Data for Interoperability (CACDI)
Status: Final: Version 1, March 2025
A subset of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework is the Canadian Core Data for Interoperability, which aims to define a standardized set of essential health data elements and associated value sets in the context of a common architecture to support interoperability and data exchange across the Canadian health care ecosystem. The CACDI works in tandem with Canada Health Infoway’s CA Core+ to facilitate interoperability and data exchange within the Canadian health care landscape.
Version 1 of the CACDI and the updated Logical Data Model are now available, featuring refined data elements and definitions, and the addition of a terminology foundation section. These enhancements improve clarity, usability and alignment with interoperability standards.
New Download the Canadian Core Data for Interoperability (CACDI), version 1 (PDF)
New Download the Canadian Core Data for Interoperability (CACDI), Version 1 Logical Data Model (PDF)
View current and previous versions of this product in the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community on InfoCentral.
Business Glossary
Status: Available : Draft Version 1, September 2024
The Business Glossary provides terms, definitions, semantic relationships and business rules describing clinical and architecture concepts. This glossary establishes a standard vocabulary to support clear communication and common understanding of terms across Canadian health systems.
Download the Business Glossary (XLSX)
View this product in the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community on InfoCentral.
Business Context Model
Status: Available : Draft Version 1, September 2024
The Business Context Model defines the scope, people, organizations and systems that influence, collaborate, inform and consume the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework.
View this product in the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community on InfoCentral.
Use Cases
Status: Available : Draft Version 1, September 2024
Use cases are designed to support the Logical Data Model. These business scenarios provide a link to real-life clinical events in primary health care. Each use case sets the context of pre-existing conditions, defines key actors, outlines their interactions and provides alternative outcomes to the encounter.
View this product in the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community on InfoCentral.
Metamodel
Status: Available : Draft Version 1, September 2024
The Metamodel is a high-level model that defines the structure, constraints and relationships within the common data architecture. It establishes the rules, concepts and relationships that govern the creation and interpretation of data models.
View this product in the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community on InfoCentral.
Information Model
Status: Available : Draft Version 1, September 2024
The Information Model is a high-level model that establishes subject areas for organizing and showing relationships between the concepts in the Data Content Standard.
View this product in the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community on InfoCentral.
Conceptual Data Model
Status: Available : Draft Version 1, September 2024
The Conceptual Data Model is a high-level model that organizes key health and supporting information concepts. This model provides more detail than the Information Model, but it does not include the detailed attributions specified in the Logical Data Model.
View this product in the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community on InfoCentral.
Logical Data Model
Status: Available : Draft Version 1, September 2024
The Logical Data Model is a semantically rich, fully attributed model that organizes and standardizes key health concepts and supporting information concepts, as well as describes how they relate to each other and to the real world. It is a foundational component for data storage and data management, including data exchange. The model is designed to support future development while still reflecting current real-world scenarios.
View this product in the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community on InfoCentral.
Metadata
Status: Available : Draft Version 1, September 2024
Metadata, also known as “data about data,” is incorporated into each product and describes the characteristics of the data. Metadata improves business and technical understanding of the information being conveyed.
View this product in the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework Community on InfoCentral.
Feedback Disposition
Status: Available
The Feedback Disposition contains comments received during open reviews of the draft Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework. These comments are prioritized for each version, along with actions made and rationales detailed in response to those comments.
Provide your feedback
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How to cite:
Canadian Institute for Health Information. Products of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework. Accessed April 25, 2025.
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