Evaluating the Effectiveness of Large Language Models in Converting Clinical Data to FHIR Format

The conversion of unstructured clinical data into structured formats, such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), is a critical challenge in healthcare informatics. This study explores the potential of large language models (LLMs) to automate this conversion process, aiming to enhance...

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Main Authors: Julien Delaunay, Daniel Girbes, Jordi Cusido
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/3379
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author Julien Delaunay
Daniel Girbes
Jordi Cusido
author_facet Julien Delaunay
Daniel Girbes
Jordi Cusido
author_sort Julien Delaunay
collection DOAJ
description The conversion of unstructured clinical data into structured formats, such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), is a critical challenge in healthcare informatics. This study explores the potential of large language models (LLMs) to automate this conversion process, aiming to enhance data interoperability and improve healthcare outcomes. The effectiveness of various LLMs in converting clinical reports into FHIR bundles was evaluated using different prompting techniques, including iterative correction and example-based prompting. The findings demonstrate the critical role of prompt engineering, with the two-step approach shown to significantly improve accuracy and completeness. While few-shot learning enhanced performance, it also introduced a risk of overreliance on examples. The performance of the LLMs is assessed based on the precision, hallucination rate, and resource mapping accuracy across mammography and dermatological reports from two clinics, providing insights into effective strategies for reliable FHIR data conversion and highlighting the importance of tailored prompting strategies.
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spelling doaj-art-9c3473a95b194255b60d52652b8ab1512025-08-20T02:11:00ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-03-01156337910.3390/app15063379Evaluating the Effectiveness of Large Language Models in Converting Clinical Data to FHIR FormatJulien Delaunay0Daniel Girbes1Jordi Cusido2Top Health Tech, 08035 Barcelona, SpainTop Health Tech, 08035 Barcelona, SpainTop Health Tech, 08035 Barcelona, SpainThe conversion of unstructured clinical data into structured formats, such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), is a critical challenge in healthcare informatics. This study explores the potential of large language models (LLMs) to automate this conversion process, aiming to enhance data interoperability and improve healthcare outcomes. The effectiveness of various LLMs in converting clinical reports into FHIR bundles was evaluated using different prompting techniques, including iterative correction and example-based prompting. The findings demonstrate the critical role of prompt engineering, with the two-step approach shown to significantly improve accuracy and completeness. While few-shot learning enhanced performance, it also introduced a risk of overreliance on examples. The performance of the LLMs is assessed based on the precision, hallucination rate, and resource mapping accuracy across mammography and dermatological reports from two clinics, providing insights into effective strategies for reliable FHIR data conversion and highlighting the importance of tailored prompting strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/3379large language modelsFast Healthcare Interoperability Resourcesunstructured clinical datahealthcare informaticsnatural language processingprompt engineering
spellingShingle Julien Delaunay
Daniel Girbes
Jordi Cusido
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Large Language Models in Converting Clinical Data to FHIR Format
Applied Sciences
large language models
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources
unstructured clinical data
healthcare informatics
natural language processing
prompt engineering
title Evaluating the Effectiveness of Large Language Models in Converting Clinical Data to FHIR Format
title_full Evaluating the Effectiveness of Large Language Models in Converting Clinical Data to FHIR Format
title_fullStr Evaluating the Effectiveness of Large Language Models in Converting Clinical Data to FHIR Format
title_full_unstemmed Evaluating the Effectiveness of Large Language Models in Converting Clinical Data to FHIR Format
title_short Evaluating the Effectiveness of Large Language Models in Converting Clinical Data to FHIR Format
title_sort evaluating the effectiveness of large language models in converting clinical data to fhir format
topic large language models
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources
unstructured clinical data
healthcare informatics
natural language processing
prompt engineering
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/3379
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AT danielgirbes evaluatingtheeffectivenessoflargelanguagemodelsinconvertingclinicaldatatofhirformat
AT jordicusido evaluatingtheeffectivenessoflargelanguagemodelsinconvertingclinicaldatatofhirformat