CIHI’s data standards are developed, released and maintained via a 4-stage iterative process.
Read about each stage and some of the activities included.
1. Identify system need
Determine which new standards or modifications to existing standards are needed to support emerging priority health system areas.
2. Develop and implement
In collaboration with key partners and based on the input gathered through consultations, develop and implement a standard with defined core data elements, value sets and code systems (may vary based on care setting).
3. Publish
Publish the new or modified standard with supporting documentation. This may include user manuals, data dictionaries and coding resources such as training guides, specific coding directions, FAQ, infographics/data visualizations and job aids.
4. Support uptake
Provide provinces/territories, other health-related organizations and vendors with ongoing support to implement the standard in their systems and vendor solutions. Provide provinces/territories and service providers with the tools to build capacity through training (including on data literacy) and to troubleshoot data submissions, and with support for conformance testing.
Our life cycle approach is characterized by broad engagement and consultation across Canada at every stage, including consultations with federal organizations, provinces/territories, clinicians, researchers, health delivery organizations, standards experts, associations/regulatory colleges, patients, communities, Indigenous representatives and international groups.