oncologyfhirigkenya - Local Development build (v0.1.0) built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) Build Tools. See the Directory of published versions
Oncology Implementation Guide for Kenya (Oncology-IG-Kenya)
| Official URL: http://example.org/ImplementationGuide/medby | Version: 0.1.0 | |||
| Draft as of 2025-06-24 | Computable Name: oncologyfhirigkenya | |||
Oncology Implementation Guide for Kenya (Oncology-IG-Kenya)
Transforming Cancer Care Through FHIR-Based Digital Innovation
This Implementation Guide is a demonstration of how HL7® FHIR® can be leveraged to enhance the quality, continuity, and coordination of oncology care in Kenya. It is developed independently by a Kenyan health tech enthusiast, with a passion for improving cancer outcomes through open standards and interoperable digital solutions.
Home
- Version: 0.1.0
- Status: Draft as of 2025-06-16
- Canonical URL:
http://example.org/ImplementationGuide/medby - Computable Name:
oncologyfhirigkenya - Build Info: Local CI using HL7® FHIR® Build Tools
Purpose & Background
Kenya faces a growing cancer crisis. This FHIR Implementation Guide (IG) is designed to model a comprehensive, standards-based oncology care pathway. It reflects the realities of Kenya’s healthcare system while showcasing how HL7® FHIR® can be adapted to support every stage of oncology—from prevention and early detection, through diagnosis and treatment, to survivorship and palliative care.
Note: This guide is a proof-of-concept and not an official publication of the Ministry of Health or Social Health Authority (SHA). It is intended to catalyze innovation, inform national discussions, and serve as a resource for implementers aligned with Kenya’s digital health goals.
Kenya’s Cancer Burden: A Snapshot
According to World Bank data (2020), the cancer landscape in Kenya is defined by:
- 47,887 new cancer cases and 32,987 deaths in 2018
- 80% of diagnoses occur at advanced stages (Stage III or IV)
- Over 30% of households with a cancer patient fall below the poverty line, even with SHA coverage
- Fewer than 30% of public health facilities offer cancer screening
- Only 7 public hospitals provide radiotherapy services
- Kenya has just 36 oncologists for a population exceeding 50 million
- Many patients travel over 100 km for access to diagnostic or treatment services
These statistics underscore the urgent need for scalable, interoperable digital health solutions to improve access, equity, and quality of care.
Oncology Care Pathway (FHIR Mapping)
The table below outlines how core stages of oncology care map to HL7® FHIR® resources:
| Care Stage | FHIR Coverage |
|---|---|
| Screening & Early Detection | Patient, Observation, ServiceRequest, Encounter |
| Diagnosis (Imaging, Lab) | Condition, Specimen, Procedure, DiagnosticReport, Observation |
| Treatment Planning | CarePlan, Consent, Encounter, PractitionerRole |
| Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy | MedicationRequest, MedicationAdministration, Procedure |
| Monitoring & Side Effects | Observation, QuestionnaireResponse, CarePlan |
| Survivorship & Follow-Up | Encounter, CarePlan, DocumentReference |
| Palliative Care | MedicationRequest, Observation, RelatedPerson |
| Financial Coverage | Claim, ExplanationOfBenefit, Coverage |
| Referral & Logistics | Task, Communication, Location, Organization |
Each mapped profile is tailored to fit Kenya’s workflows, policy frameworks, and resource constraints, promoting better data capture and care continuity.
Implementation Notes
This IG includes profiles that support key tasks across the oncology spectrum:
- Structured documentation of cancer staging, histopathology, and tumor markers
- Capture and coordination of chemotherapy regimens, including administration and side effects
- Tools for tracking follow-up visits, treatment plans, and financial distress screening
- Support for managing referrals, treatment locations, and documentation sharing
These components are designed to promote semantic interoperability, improve data quality for decision-making, and reduce fragmentation of cancer care services.
Contact & Repository
- Email: medbyTech254@gmail.com
- GitHub:
- Website:
This Implementation Guide is a personal initiative by a Kenyan digital health enthusiast. While not officially endorsed, it aligns with national digital health priorities and demonstrates what is possible when global standards are contextualized to meet local needs.