The synchronisation of data between healthcare IT applications is done by exchanging (in the broader sense) messages which are formatted according to one of many standards that are used in healthcare.

The most successful standard enabling such communication and co-operation for health is HL7 established in the mid-eighties starting as a communication standard within hospitals. HL7 included soon other domains such as home care, clinical studies, and prescription communication. So, HL7 supports shared care between primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare establishments.

Another very successful standard is DICOM for communicating image information among modalities and (radiology) information systems.

This review paper discusses integration issues for specification and development of messaging standards and their impact on applications.