Implementation of Application Programming Interface in Medical Information Systems

Abstract

          Currently, technology and innovation have been developing rapidly, as well as improving the service quality, accuracy, and security for customers. The Siriraj Information Technology Department of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital has applied information technology in medical service, education, and research. This has led to an increase in the number of information systems, thereby necessitating that relevant systems be able to interoperate, accurately exchange data between one another, and remain available for use at all times. Accordingly, the Application Programming Interface (API) has become an important and one of the best practice approaches to exchange or transfer data between information systems. An API results in accessing information rapidly, securely, and reliably. All of these have resulted in the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital being able to continue serving patients. An Application Programming Interface (API) is the best practice approach to connecting system-to-system by an API gateway from each application and processing data. Therefore, when the data processing is completed, an application is able to continue to use that information. The flexible features of the API are found to be widely implemented in both large and small organizations. The Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital has implemented application extensions to support the Medical Supply Master database system by enabling its integration with the outpatient medication and medical supply dispensing system (SiOP). When users update medical supply information in the Medical Supply Master system, data is retrieved by the SiOP system in a timely and accurate manner. This integration enhances the efficiency of patient care services and contributes to improved patient satisfaction.