Eswatini HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide
1.0.0 - draft Eswatini

Eswatini HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide - Local Development build (v1.0.0) built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) Build Tools. See the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: Eswatini Cause of Death Profile

Official URL: https://eswatinihie.com/fhir/StructureDefinition/SzCauseOfDeath Version: 1.0.0
Active as of 2026-08-21 Computable Name: SzCauseOfDeath

The Eswatini Cause of Death Profile defines the constraints and usage of the HL7 FHIR Observation resource to represent certified causes of death within the Eswatini National Digital Health Ecosystem. It provides a standardized, interoperable mechanism for recording, exchanging, and analyzing mortality data in support of civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS), public health surveillance, and health system planning. This profile enables consistent capture of cause-of-death information in alignment with national reporting requirements and internationally recognized mortality classification practices.

Scope and Usage

This profile SHALL be used by systems responsible for capturing, managing, or exchanging cause-of-death information, including:

Civil registration and vital statistics systems Hospital and facility-based mortality reporting systems Public health surveillance and analytics platforms

The profile supports recording causes of death for individuals who die in healthcare facilities, in the community, or under other legally recognized circumstances, as defined by national policies and workflows.

Usages:

You can also check for usages in the FHIR IG Statistics

Formal Views of Profile Content

Description of Profiles, Differentials, Snapshots and how the different presentations work.

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation C 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
Constraints: obs-6, obs-7
... id Σ 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Cause of death
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
Required Pattern: At least the following
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
..... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
..... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 79378-6
..... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
..... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
.... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
... subject Σ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) The decedent
... performer Σ 0..* Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Cause of death certifier (coroner or medical examiner)
... value[x] ΣC 1..1 CodeableConcept Actual result
.... text Σ 1..1 string Cause of death Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
Max Length:255
... Slices for component Σ 2..* BackboneElement Component results
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:code
.... component:All Slices Content/Rules for all slices
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
.... component:sequenceOfConditions Σ 1..1 BackboneElement Sequence of conditions
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
..... value[x] Σ 1..1 string Sequence of conditions e.g Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
.... component:timeInterval Σ 1..1 BackboneElement Cause of death time interval for Intermediate, Intermediate I, Intermediat II, Underlying
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Disease onset to death interval
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
Required Pattern: At least the following
...... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
...... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
...... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
....... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
....... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
....... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
....... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
....... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 69440-6
....... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
....... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
...... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
..... Slices for value[x] Σ 0..1 Actual component result
Slice: Unordered, Closed by type:$this
...... valueQuantity Quantity
...... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
...... valueString string
..... Slices for value[x] Content/Rules for all slices
...... value[x]:valueString Σ 0..1 string Interval - string description
Max Length:20
...... value[x]:valueQuantity Σ 0..1 Quantity Interval - quantity with units of time
...... value[x]:valueCodeableConcept Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Interval Unknown

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Observation.status Base required ObservationStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:sequenceOfConditions.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:timeInterval.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Observation A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-6 error Observation dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7 error Observation If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

This structure is derived from Observation

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
... id 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... code 1..1 CodeableConcept Cause of death
Required Pattern: At least the following
.... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
..... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
..... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 79378-6
... subject 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) The decedent
... value[x] 1..1 CodeableConcept Actual result
.... text 1..1 string Cause of death Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
Max Length:255
... Slices for component 2..* BackboneElement Component results
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:code
.... component:sequenceOfConditions 1..1 BackboneElement Sequence of conditions
..... value[x] 1..1 string Sequence of conditions e.g Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
.... component:timeInterval 1..1 BackboneElement Cause of death time interval for Intermediate, Intermediate I, Intermediat II, Underlying
..... code 1..1 CodeableConcept Disease onset to death interval
Required Pattern: At least the following
...... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
....... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
....... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 69440-6
..... Slices for value[x] 0..1 Actual component result
Slice: Unordered, Open by type:$this
...... valueQuantity Quantity
...... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
...... valueString string
..... Slices for value[x] Content/Rules for all slices
...... value[x]:valueString 0..1 string Interval - string description
Max Length:20
...... value[x]:valueQuantity 0..1 Quantity Interval - quantity with units of time
...... value[x]:valueCodeableConcept 0..1 CodeableConcept Interval Unknown

doco Documentation for this format
NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation C 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
Constraints: obs-6, obs-7
... id Σ 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... meta Σ 0..1 Meta Metadata about the resource
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... language 0..1 code Language of the resource content
Binding: CommonLanguages (preferred): A human language.
Additional BindingsPurpose
AllLanguages Max Binding
... text 0..1 Narrative Text summary of the resource, for human interpretation
This profile does not constrain the narrative in regard to content, language, or traceability to data elements
... contained 0..* Resource Contained, inline Resources
... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Business Identifier for observation
... basedOn Σ 0..* Reference(CarePlan | DeviceRequest | ImmunizationRecommendation | MedicationRequest | NutritionOrder | ServiceRequest) Fulfills plan, proposal or order
... partOf Σ 0..* Reference(MedicationAdministration | MedicationDispense | MedicationStatement | Procedure | Immunization | ImagingStudy) Part of referenced event
... status ?!Σ 1..1 code registered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation.
... category 0..* CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.
... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Cause of death
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
Required Pattern: At least the following
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
..... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
..... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 79378-6
..... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
..... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
.... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
... subject Σ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) The decedent
... focus Σ 0..* Reference(Resource) What the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
... encounter Σ 0..1 Reference(Encounter) Healthcare event during which this observation is made
... effective[x] Σ 0..1 Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
.... effectiveDateTime dateTime
.... effectivePeriod Period
.... effectiveTiming Timing
.... effectiveInstant instant
... issued Σ 0..1 instant Date/Time this version was made available
... performer Σ 0..* Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Cause of death certifier (coroner or medical examiner)
... value[x] ΣC 1..1 CodeableConcept Actual result
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:url
.... coding Σ 0..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
.... text Σ 1..1 string Cause of death Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
Max Length:255
... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
... note 0..* Annotation Comments about the observation
... bodySite 0..1 CodeableConcept Observed body part
Binding: SNOMEDCTBodyStructures (example): Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.
... method 0..1 CodeableConcept How it was done
Binding: ObservationMethods (example): Methods for simple observations.
... specimen 0..1 Reference(Specimen) Specimen used for this observation
... device 0..1 Reference(Device | DeviceMetric) (Measurement) Device
... referenceRange C 0..* BackboneElement Provides guide for interpretation
Constraints: obs-3
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... low C 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) Low Range, if relevant
.... high C 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) High Range, if relevant
.... type 0..1 CodeableConcept Reference range qualifier
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes (preferred): Code for the meaning of a reference range.
.... appliesTo 0..* CodeableConcept Reference range population
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes (example): Codes identifying the population the reference range applies to.
.... age 0..1 Range Applicable age range, if relevant
.... text 0..1 string Text based reference range in an observation
... hasMember Σ 0..* Reference(Observation | QuestionnaireResponse | MolecularSequence) Related resource that belongs to the Observation group
... derivedFrom Σ 0..* Reference(DocumentReference | ImagingStudy | Media | QuestionnaireResponse | Observation | MolecularSequence) Related measurements the observation is made from
... Slices for component Σ 2..* BackboneElement Component results
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:code
.... component:All Slices Content/Rules for all slices
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
..... value[x] Σ 0..1 Actual component result
...... valueQuantity Quantity
...... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
...... valueString string
...... valueBoolean boolean
...... valueInteger integer
...... valueRange Range
...... valueRatio Ratio
...... valueSampledData SampledData
...... valueTime time
...... valueDateTime dateTime
...... valuePeriod Period
..... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the component result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
..... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
..... referenceRange 0..* See referenceRange (Observation) Provides guide for interpretation of component result
.... component:sequenceOfConditions Σ 1..1 BackboneElement Sequence of conditions
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
..... value[x] Σ 1..1 string Sequence of conditions e.g Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
..... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the component result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
..... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
..... referenceRange 0..* See referenceRange (Observation) Provides guide for interpretation of component result
.... component:timeInterval Σ 1..1 BackboneElement Cause of death time interval for Intermediate, Intermediate I, Intermediat II, Underlying
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Disease onset to death interval
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
Required Pattern: At least the following
...... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
...... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
...... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
....... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
....... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
....... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
....... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
....... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 69440-6
....... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
....... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
...... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
..... Slices for value[x] Σ 0..1 Actual component result
Slice: Unordered, Closed by type:$this
...... valueQuantity Quantity
...... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
...... valueString string
..... Slices for value[x] Content/Rules for all slices
...... value[x]:valueString Σ 0..1 string Interval - string description
Max Length:20
...... value[x]:valueQuantity Σ 0..1 Quantity Interval - quantity with units of time
...... value[x]:valueCodeableConcept Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Interval Unknown
..... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the component result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
..... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
..... referenceRange 0..* See referenceRange (Observation) Provides guide for interpretation of component result

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Observation.language Base preferred Common Languages 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.status Base required ObservationStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.category Base preferred Observation Category Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.bodySite Base example SNOMED CT Body Structures 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.method Base example Observation Methods 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.referenceRange.​type Base preferred Observation Reference Range Meaning Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.referenceRange.​appliesTo Base example Observation Reference Range Applies To Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:sequenceOfConditions.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:sequenceOfConditions.​dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:sequenceOfConditions.​interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:timeInterval.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:timeInterval.​dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:timeInterval.​interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Observation A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-3 error Observation.referenceRange Must have at least a low or a high or text low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists()
obs-6 error Observation dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7 error Observation If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

This structure is derived from Observation

Summary

Mandatory: 7 elements

Structures

This structure refers to these other structures:

Slices

This structure defines the following Slices:

  • The element 1 is sliced based on the value of Observation.component
  • The element 1 is sliced based on the value of Observation.component.value[x]

Key Elements View

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation C 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
Constraints: obs-6, obs-7
... id Σ 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Cause of death
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
Required Pattern: At least the following
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
..... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
..... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 79378-6
..... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
..... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
.... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
... subject Σ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) The decedent
... performer Σ 0..* Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Cause of death certifier (coroner or medical examiner)
... value[x] ΣC 1..1 CodeableConcept Actual result
.... text Σ 1..1 string Cause of death Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
Max Length:255
... Slices for component Σ 2..* BackboneElement Component results
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:code
.... component:All Slices Content/Rules for all slices
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
.... component:sequenceOfConditions Σ 1..1 BackboneElement Sequence of conditions
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
..... value[x] Σ 1..1 string Sequence of conditions e.g Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
.... component:timeInterval Σ 1..1 BackboneElement Cause of death time interval for Intermediate, Intermediate I, Intermediat II, Underlying
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Disease onset to death interval
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
Required Pattern: At least the following
...... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
...... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
...... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
....... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
....... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
....... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
....... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
....... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 69440-6
....... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
....... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
...... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
..... Slices for value[x] Σ 0..1 Actual component result
Slice: Unordered, Closed by type:$this
...... valueQuantity Quantity
...... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
...... valueString string
..... Slices for value[x] Content/Rules for all slices
...... value[x]:valueString Σ 0..1 string Interval - string description
Max Length:20
...... value[x]:valueQuantity Σ 0..1 Quantity Interval - quantity with units of time
...... value[x]:valueCodeableConcept Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Interval Unknown

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Observation.status Base required ObservationStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:sequenceOfConditions.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:timeInterval.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Observation A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-6 error Observation dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7 error Observation If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

Differential View

This structure is derived from Observation

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
... id 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... code 1..1 CodeableConcept Cause of death
Required Pattern: At least the following
.... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
..... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
..... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 79378-6
... subject 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) The decedent
... value[x] 1..1 CodeableConcept Actual result
.... text 1..1 string Cause of death Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
Max Length:255
... Slices for component 2..* BackboneElement Component results
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:code
.... component:sequenceOfConditions 1..1 BackboneElement Sequence of conditions
..... value[x] 1..1 string Sequence of conditions e.g Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
.... component:timeInterval 1..1 BackboneElement Cause of death time interval for Intermediate, Intermediate I, Intermediat II, Underlying
..... code 1..1 CodeableConcept Disease onset to death interval
Required Pattern: At least the following
...... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
....... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
....... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 69440-6
..... Slices for value[x] 0..1 Actual component result
Slice: Unordered, Open by type:$this
...... valueQuantity Quantity
...... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
...... valueString string
..... Slices for value[x] Content/Rules for all slices
...... value[x]:valueString 0..1 string Interval - string description
Max Length:20
...... value[x]:valueQuantity 0..1 Quantity Interval - quantity with units of time
...... value[x]:valueCodeableConcept 0..1 CodeableConcept Interval Unknown

doco Documentation for this format

Snapshot View

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation C 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
Constraints: obs-6, obs-7
... id Σ 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... meta Σ 0..1 Meta Metadata about the resource
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... language 0..1 code Language of the resource content
Binding: CommonLanguages (preferred): A human language.
Additional BindingsPurpose
AllLanguages Max Binding
... text 0..1 Narrative Text summary of the resource, for human interpretation
This profile does not constrain the narrative in regard to content, language, or traceability to data elements
... contained 0..* Resource Contained, inline Resources
... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Business Identifier for observation
... basedOn Σ 0..* Reference(CarePlan | DeviceRequest | ImmunizationRecommendation | MedicationRequest | NutritionOrder | ServiceRequest) Fulfills plan, proposal or order
... partOf Σ 0..* Reference(MedicationAdministration | MedicationDispense | MedicationStatement | Procedure | Immunization | ImagingStudy) Part of referenced event
... status ?!Σ 1..1 code registered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation.
... category 0..* CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.
... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Cause of death
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
Required Pattern: At least the following
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
..... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
..... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 79378-6
..... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
..... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
.... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
... subject Σ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) The decedent
... focus Σ 0..* Reference(Resource) What the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
... encounter Σ 0..1 Reference(Encounter) Healthcare event during which this observation is made
... effective[x] Σ 0..1 Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
.... effectiveDateTime dateTime
.... effectivePeriod Period
.... effectiveTiming Timing
.... effectiveInstant instant
... issued Σ 0..1 instant Date/Time this version was made available
... performer Σ 0..* Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Cause of death certifier (coroner or medical examiner)
... value[x] ΣC 1..1 CodeableConcept Actual result
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:url
.... coding Σ 0..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
.... text Σ 1..1 string Cause of death Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
Max Length:255
... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
... note 0..* Annotation Comments about the observation
... bodySite 0..1 CodeableConcept Observed body part
Binding: SNOMEDCTBodyStructures (example): Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.
... method 0..1 CodeableConcept How it was done
Binding: ObservationMethods (example): Methods for simple observations.
... specimen 0..1 Reference(Specimen) Specimen used for this observation
... device 0..1 Reference(Device | DeviceMetric) (Measurement) Device
... referenceRange C 0..* BackboneElement Provides guide for interpretation
Constraints: obs-3
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... low C 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) Low Range, if relevant
.... high C 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) High Range, if relevant
.... type 0..1 CodeableConcept Reference range qualifier
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes (preferred): Code for the meaning of a reference range.
.... appliesTo 0..* CodeableConcept Reference range population
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes (example): Codes identifying the population the reference range applies to.
.... age 0..1 Range Applicable age range, if relevant
.... text 0..1 string Text based reference range in an observation
... hasMember Σ 0..* Reference(Observation | QuestionnaireResponse | MolecularSequence) Related resource that belongs to the Observation group
... derivedFrom Σ 0..* Reference(DocumentReference | ImagingStudy | Media | QuestionnaireResponse | Observation | MolecularSequence) Related measurements the observation is made from
... Slices for component Σ 2..* BackboneElement Component results
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:code
.... component:All Slices Content/Rules for all slices
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
..... value[x] Σ 0..1 Actual component result
...... valueQuantity Quantity
...... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
...... valueString string
...... valueBoolean boolean
...... valueInteger integer
...... valueRange Range
...... valueRatio Ratio
...... valueSampledData SampledData
...... valueTime time
...... valueDateTime dateTime
...... valuePeriod Period
..... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the component result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
..... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
..... referenceRange 0..* See referenceRange (Observation) Provides guide for interpretation of component result
.... component:sequenceOfConditions Σ 1..1 BackboneElement Sequence of conditions
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
..... value[x] Σ 1..1 string Sequence of conditions e.g Intermediate | Intermediate I | Intermediat II | Underlying
..... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the component result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
..... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
..... referenceRange 0..* See referenceRange (Observation) Provides guide for interpretation of component result
.... component:timeInterval Σ 1..1 BackboneElement Cause of death time interval for Intermediate, Intermediate I, Intermediat II, Underlying
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
..... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Disease onset to death interval
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
Required Pattern: At least the following
...... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
...... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
...... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
....... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
....... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
....... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://loinc.org
....... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
....... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: 69440-6
....... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
....... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
...... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
..... Slices for value[x] Σ 0..1 Actual component result
Slice: Unordered, Closed by type:$this
...... valueQuantity Quantity
...... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
...... valueString string
..... Slices for value[x] Content/Rules for all slices
...... value[x]:valueString Σ 0..1 string Interval - string description
Max Length:20
...... value[x]:valueQuantity Σ 0..1 Quantity Interval - quantity with units of time
...... value[x]:valueCodeableConcept Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Interval Unknown
..... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the component result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
..... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
..... referenceRange 0..* See referenceRange (Observation) Provides guide for interpretation of component result

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Observation.language Base preferred Common Languages 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.status Base required ObservationStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.category Base preferred Observation Category Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.bodySite Base example SNOMED CT Body Structures 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.method Base example Observation Methods 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.referenceRange.​type Base preferred Observation Reference Range Meaning Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.referenceRange.​appliesTo Base example Observation Reference Range Applies To Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:sequenceOfConditions.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:sequenceOfConditions.​dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:sequenceOfConditions.​interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:timeInterval.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:timeInterval.​dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component:timeInterval.​interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Observation A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-3 error Observation.referenceRange Must have at least a low or a high or text low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists()
obs-6 error Observation dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7 error Observation If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

This structure is derived from Observation

Summary

Mandatory: 7 elements

Structures

This structure refers to these other structures:

Slices

This structure defines the following Slices:

  • The element 1 is sliced based on the value of Observation.component
  • The element 1 is sliced based on the value of Observation.component.value[x]

 

Other representations of profile: CSV, Excel, Schematron

Notes:

Core Data Requirements

The profile constrains the base Observation resource to ensure capture of essential cause-of-death data, including:

Observation status indicating the state of the record Cause-of-death code, drawn from approved classification systems Subject (Patient) identifying the deceased individual Effective date/time representing the time of death or certification, as applicable Recorder or certifier, where supported by the system and mandated by policy

These elements support high-quality mortality reporting and enable aggregation and analysis at facility, regional, and national levels.

Interoperability and National Alignment

This profile is designed to:

Conform to HL7 FHIR R4 Observation semantics Support interoperability within the Eswatini National HIE Enable linkage with related resources such as Patient, Encounter, Practitioner, and Organization Facilitate timely and accurate national mortality reporting and health system analytics

It enables cause-of-death data to be exchanged securely and reliably between clinical systems and national reporting platforms.

Data Quality and Conformance

Systems claiming conformance to this profile SHALL:

Populate all required and Must Support elements as defined Ensure cause-of-death data is accurate, coded, and aligned with certification workflows Maintain appropriate auditability and traceability for certified or reviewed records, where applicable

Optional elements from the base Observation resource may be used when relevant, provided they do not conflict with the constraints defined in this profile.

Extensibility

The Eswatini Cause of Death Profile supports extensibility using standard FHIR mechanisms. Additional attributes—such as manner of death, place of death, or review outcomes—may be added through governed FHIR extensions as national requirements evolve.

Summary

The Eswatini Cause of Death Profile provides a standardized and interoperable representation of mortality cause data, supporting accurate death certification, improved public health surveillance, and evidence-based health planning. Adoption of this profile contributes to stronger national mortality statistics and enhanced interoperability across health and civil registration systems in the Kingdom of Eswatini.