Survey of Network Interfaces Form (SNIF) White Paper

1. Proposed Workitem: Survey of Network Interfaces Form (SNIF) Profile

• Proposal Editor: Steve Nichols / Ruth Berge
• Editor:
• Domain: ITI

2. The Problem

Configuration management of peer interfaces enabling IHE profiles is burdensome within to HDOs (Healthcare Delivery Organizations). Interfaces are often manually configured, requiring trained integrators to: gather configuration properties, configure and test interoperability. The human element introduces the opportunity for errors, often typographical, that can be difficult to identify and correct. The increasing adoption of secure connectivity protocols complicates connectivity by adding additional properties, such as logging and certificates. There are no public figures on the specific price for the configuration of interoperable products, however there is much commentary on the expense associated with system integration. One paper estimates a savings of seven hours when a configuration management tool is used to assist in the set up a new cath lab [1] Barriers include lack of an inventory of systems, and their related connectivity properties, features and requirements. Organizations differ: some can readily provide this information, others do not maintain it, taking weeks to complete a site inventory.