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 Encounter Profile

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

The Eswatini Encounter Profile defines the constraints and usage of the HL7 FHIR Encounter resource for use within the Eswatini Health Information Exchange (HIE) and other interoperable digital health systems. It represents a single interaction or episode of care between a patient and a healthcare service provider, covering clinical, administrative, and public health contexts. This profile ensures that encounter data exchanged across systems in Eswatini is consistent, semantically interoperable, and aligned with national workflows and reporting requirements.

Scope and Usage

This profile SHALL be used by all systems that create, update, or exchange encounter information within the national health ecosystem, including but not limited to:

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems Health facility management systems National registries and reporting platforms Public health surveillance systems

The profile supports encounters occurring across multiple care settings, such as:

Outpatient visits Inpatient admissions Emergency encounters Community and outreach services

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
.. Encounter 0..* Encounter An interaction during which services are provided to the patient
... 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
... class SΣ 1..1 Coding Department in which the encounter took place
Binding: Value Set: Encounter Classification (required)
... subject Σ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the encounter
... participant Σ 1..1 BackboneElement List of participants involved in the encounter
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... individual Σ 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Clinicians who participated in the encounter
... period 1..1 Period The start and end time of the encounter
.... start ΣC 1..1 dateTime Start date and time of the encounter
... location 1..1 BackboneElement Encounter location
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... location 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Location Profile) Health facility

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Encounter.status Base required EncounterStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.class Base required Value Set: Encounter Classification 📦1.0.0 This IG

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Encounter If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Encounter 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 Encounter 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 Encounter If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Encounter 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()

This structure is derived from Encounter

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Encounter 0..* Encounter An interaction during which services are provided to the patient
... id 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... class S 1..1 Coding Department in which the encounter took place
Binding: Value Set: Encounter Classification (required)
... subject 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the encounter
.... individual 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Clinicians who participated in the encounter
... period 1..1 Period The start and end time of the encounter
.... start 1..1 dateTime Start date and time of the encounter
... location 1..1 BackboneElement Encounter location
.... location 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Location Profile) Health facility

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings (Differential)

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Encounter.class Base required Value Set: Encounter Classification 📦1.0.0 This IG
NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Encounter 0..* Encounter An interaction during which services are provided to the patient
... 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 Identifier(s) by which this encounter is known
... status ?!Σ 1..1 code planned | arrived | triaged | in-progress | onleave | finished | cancelled +
Binding: EncounterStatus (required): Current state of the encounter.
... statusHistory 0..* BackboneElement List of past encounter statuses
.... 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
.... status 1..1 code planned | arrived | triaged | in-progress | onleave | finished | cancelled +
Binding: EncounterStatus (required): Current state of the encounter.
.... period 1..1 Period The time that the episode was in the specified status
... class SΣ 1..1 Coding Department in which the encounter took place
Binding: Value Set: Encounter Classification (required)
... classHistory 0..* BackboneElement List of past encounter classes
.... 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
.... class 1..1 Coding inpatient | outpatient | ambulatory | emergency +
Binding: ActEncounterCode (extensible): Classification of the encounter.
.... period 1..1 Period The time that the episode was in the specified class
... type Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Specific type of encounter
Binding: EncounterType (example): The type of encounter.
... serviceType Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Specific type of service
Binding: ServiceType (example): Broad categorization of the service that is to be provided.
... priority 0..1 CodeableConcept Indicates the urgency of the encounter
Binding: ActPriority (example): Indicates the urgency of the encounter.
... subject Σ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the encounter
... episodeOfCare Σ 0..* Reference(EpisodeOfCare) Episode(s) of care that this encounter should be recorded against
... basedOn 0..* Reference(ServiceRequest) The ServiceRequest that initiated this encounter
... participant Σ 1..1 BackboneElement List of participants involved in the encounter
.... 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
.... type Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Role of participant in encounter
Binding: ParticipantType (extensible): Role of participant in encounter.
.... period 0..1 Period Period of time during the encounter that the participant participated
.... individual Σ 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Clinicians who participated in the encounter
... appointment Σ 0..* Reference(Appointment) The appointment that scheduled this encounter
... period 1..1 Period The start and end time of the encounter
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:url
.... start ΣC 1..1 dateTime Start date and time of the encounter
.... end ΣC 0..1 dateTime End time with inclusive boundary, if not ongoing
... length 0..1 Duration Quantity of time the encounter lasted (less time absent)
... reasonCode Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Coded reason the encounter takes place
Binding: EncounterReasonCodes (preferred): Reason why the encounter takes place.
... reasonReference Σ 0..* Reference(Condition | Procedure | Observation | ImmunizationRecommendation) Reason the encounter takes place (reference)
... diagnosis Σ 0..* BackboneElement The list of diagnosis relevant to this encounter
.... 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
.... condition Σ 1..1 Reference(Condition | Procedure) The diagnosis or procedure relevant to the encounter
.... use 0..1 CodeableConcept Role that this diagnosis has within the encounter (e.g. admission, billing, discharge …)
Binding: DiagnosisRole (preferred): The type of diagnosis this condition represents.
.... rank 0..1 positiveInt Ranking of the diagnosis (for each role type)
... account 0..* Reference(Account) The set of accounts that may be used for billing for this Encounter
... hospitalization 0..1 BackboneElement Details about the admission to a healthcare service
.... 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
.... preAdmissionIdentifier 0..1 Identifier Pre-admission identifier
.... origin 0..1 Reference(Location | Organization) The location/organization from which the patient came before admission
.... admitSource 0..1 CodeableConcept From where patient was admitted (physician referral, transfer)
Binding: AdmitSource (preferred): From where the patient was admitted.
.... reAdmission 0..1 CodeableConcept The type of hospital re-admission that has occurred (if any). If the value is absent, then this is not identified as a readmission
Binding: hl7VS-re-admissionIndicator (example): The reason for re-admission of this hospitalization encounter.
.... dietPreference 0..* CodeableConcept Diet preferences reported by the patient
Binding: Diet (example): Medical, cultural or ethical food preferences to help with catering requirements.
.... specialCourtesy 0..* CodeableConcept Special courtesies (VIP, board member)
Binding: SpecialCourtesy (preferred): Special courtesies.
.... specialArrangement 0..* CodeableConcept Wheelchair, translator, stretcher, etc.
Binding: SpecialArrangements (preferred): Special arrangements.
.... destination 0..1 Reference(Location | Organization) Location/organization to which the patient is discharged
.... dischargeDisposition 0..1 CodeableConcept Category or kind of location after discharge
Binding: DischargeDisposition (example): Discharge Disposition.
... location 1..1 BackboneElement Encounter location
.... 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
.... location 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Location Profile) Health facility
.... status 0..1 code planned | active | reserved | completed
Binding: EncounterLocationStatus (required): The status of the location.
.... physicalType 0..1 CodeableConcept The physical type of the location (usually the level in the location hierachy - bed room ward etc.)
Binding: LocationType (example): Physical form of the location.
.... period 0..1 Period Time period during which the patient was present at the location
... serviceProvider 0..1 Reference(Organization) The organization (facility) responsible for this encounter
... partOf 0..1 Reference(Encounter) Another Encounter this encounter is part of

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Encounter.language Base preferred Common Languages 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.status Base required EncounterStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.statusHistory.​status Base required EncounterStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.class Base required Value Set: Encounter Classification 📦1.0.0 This IG
Encounter.classHistory.​class Base extensible ActEncounterCode 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Encounter.type Base example Encounter type 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.serviceType Base example Service type 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.priority Base example ActPriority 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Encounter.participant.​type Base extensible Participant type 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.reasonCode Base preferred Encounter Reason Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.diagnosis.​use Base preferred DiagnosisRole 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.hospitalization.​admitSource Base preferred Admit source 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.hospitalization.​reAdmission Base example hl7VS-re-admissionIndicator 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Encounter.hospitalization.​dietPreference Base example Diet 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.hospitalization.​specialCourtesy Base preferred Special courtesy 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.hospitalization.​specialArrangement Base preferred Special arrangements 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.hospitalization.​dischargeDisposition Base example Discharge disposition 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.location.status Base required EncounterLocationStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.location.physicalType Base example Location type 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Encounter If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Encounter 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 Encounter 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 Encounter If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Encounter 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()

Key Elements View

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Encounter 0..* Encounter An interaction during which services are provided to the patient
... 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
... class SΣ 1..1 Coding Department in which the encounter took place
Binding: Value Set: Encounter Classification (required)
... subject Σ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the encounter
... participant Σ 1..1 BackboneElement List of participants involved in the encounter
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... individual Σ 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Clinicians who participated in the encounter
... period 1..1 Period The start and end time of the encounter
.... start ΣC 1..1 dateTime Start date and time of the encounter
... location 1..1 BackboneElement Encounter location
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... location 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Location Profile) Health facility

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Encounter.status Base required EncounterStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.class Base required Value Set: Encounter Classification 📦1.0.0 This IG

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Encounter If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Encounter 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 Encounter 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 Encounter If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Encounter 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()

Differential View

This structure is derived from Encounter

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Encounter 0..* Encounter An interaction during which services are provided to the patient
... id 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... class S 1..1 Coding Department in which the encounter took place
Binding: Value Set: Encounter Classification (required)
... subject 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the encounter
.... individual 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Clinicians who participated in the encounter
... period 1..1 Period The start and end time of the encounter
.... start 1..1 dateTime Start date and time of the encounter
... location 1..1 BackboneElement Encounter location
.... location 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Location Profile) Health facility

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings (Differential)

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Encounter.class Base required Value Set: Encounter Classification 📦1.0.0 This IG

Snapshot View

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Encounter 0..* Encounter An interaction during which services are provided to the patient
... 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 Identifier(s) by which this encounter is known
... status ?!Σ 1..1 code planned | arrived | triaged | in-progress | onleave | finished | cancelled +
Binding: EncounterStatus (required): Current state of the encounter.
... statusHistory 0..* BackboneElement List of past encounter statuses
.... 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
.... status 1..1 code planned | arrived | triaged | in-progress | onleave | finished | cancelled +
Binding: EncounterStatus (required): Current state of the encounter.
.... period 1..1 Period The time that the episode was in the specified status
... class SΣ 1..1 Coding Department in which the encounter took place
Binding: Value Set: Encounter Classification (required)
... classHistory 0..* BackboneElement List of past encounter classes
.... 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
.... class 1..1 Coding inpatient | outpatient | ambulatory | emergency +
Binding: ActEncounterCode (extensible): Classification of the encounter.
.... period 1..1 Period The time that the episode was in the specified class
... type Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Specific type of encounter
Binding: EncounterType (example): The type of encounter.
... serviceType Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Specific type of service
Binding: ServiceType (example): Broad categorization of the service that is to be provided.
... priority 0..1 CodeableConcept Indicates the urgency of the encounter
Binding: ActPriority (example): Indicates the urgency of the encounter.
... subject Σ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the encounter
... episodeOfCare Σ 0..* Reference(EpisodeOfCare) Episode(s) of care that this encounter should be recorded against
... basedOn 0..* Reference(ServiceRequest) The ServiceRequest that initiated this encounter
... participant Σ 1..1 BackboneElement List of participants involved in the encounter
.... 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
.... type Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Role of participant in encounter
Binding: ParticipantType (extensible): Role of participant in encounter.
.... period 0..1 Period Period of time during the encounter that the participant participated
.... individual Σ 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Clinicians who participated in the encounter
... appointment Σ 0..* Reference(Appointment) The appointment that scheduled this encounter
... period 1..1 Period The start and end time of the encounter
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:url
.... start ΣC 1..1 dateTime Start date and time of the encounter
.... end ΣC 0..1 dateTime End time with inclusive boundary, if not ongoing
... length 0..1 Duration Quantity of time the encounter lasted (less time absent)
... reasonCode Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Coded reason the encounter takes place
Binding: EncounterReasonCodes (preferred): Reason why the encounter takes place.
... reasonReference Σ 0..* Reference(Condition | Procedure | Observation | ImmunizationRecommendation) Reason the encounter takes place (reference)
... diagnosis Σ 0..* BackboneElement The list of diagnosis relevant to this encounter
.... 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
.... condition Σ 1..1 Reference(Condition | Procedure) The diagnosis or procedure relevant to the encounter
.... use 0..1 CodeableConcept Role that this diagnosis has within the encounter (e.g. admission, billing, discharge …)
Binding: DiagnosisRole (preferred): The type of diagnosis this condition represents.
.... rank 0..1 positiveInt Ranking of the diagnosis (for each role type)
... account 0..* Reference(Account) The set of accounts that may be used for billing for this Encounter
... hospitalization 0..1 BackboneElement Details about the admission to a healthcare service
.... 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
.... preAdmissionIdentifier 0..1 Identifier Pre-admission identifier
.... origin 0..1 Reference(Location | Organization) The location/organization from which the patient came before admission
.... admitSource 0..1 CodeableConcept From where patient was admitted (physician referral, transfer)
Binding: AdmitSource (preferred): From where the patient was admitted.
.... reAdmission 0..1 CodeableConcept The type of hospital re-admission that has occurred (if any). If the value is absent, then this is not identified as a readmission
Binding: hl7VS-re-admissionIndicator (example): The reason for re-admission of this hospitalization encounter.
.... dietPreference 0..* CodeableConcept Diet preferences reported by the patient
Binding: Diet (example): Medical, cultural or ethical food preferences to help with catering requirements.
.... specialCourtesy 0..* CodeableConcept Special courtesies (VIP, board member)
Binding: SpecialCourtesy (preferred): Special courtesies.
.... specialArrangement 0..* CodeableConcept Wheelchair, translator, stretcher, etc.
Binding: SpecialArrangements (preferred): Special arrangements.
.... destination 0..1 Reference(Location | Organization) Location/organization to which the patient is discharged
.... dischargeDisposition 0..1 CodeableConcept Category or kind of location after discharge
Binding: DischargeDisposition (example): Discharge Disposition.
... location 1..1 BackboneElement Encounter location
.... 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
.... location 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Location Profile) Health facility
.... status 0..1 code planned | active | reserved | completed
Binding: EncounterLocationStatus (required): The status of the location.
.... physicalType 0..1 CodeableConcept The physical type of the location (usually the level in the location hierachy - bed room ward etc.)
Binding: LocationType (example): Physical form of the location.
.... period 0..1 Period Time period during which the patient was present at the location
... serviceProvider 0..1 Reference(Organization) The organization (facility) responsible for this encounter
... partOf 0..1 Reference(Encounter) Another Encounter this encounter is part of

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Encounter.language Base preferred Common Languages 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.status Base required EncounterStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.statusHistory.​status Base required EncounterStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.class Base required Value Set: Encounter Classification 📦1.0.0 This IG
Encounter.classHistory.​class Base extensible ActEncounterCode 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Encounter.type Base example Encounter type 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.serviceType Base example Service type 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.priority Base example ActPriority 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Encounter.participant.​type Base extensible Participant type 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.reasonCode Base preferred Encounter Reason Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.diagnosis.​use Base preferred DiagnosisRole 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.hospitalization.​admitSource Base preferred Admit source 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.hospitalization.​reAdmission Base example hl7VS-re-admissionIndicator 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Encounter.hospitalization.​dietPreference Base example Diet 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.hospitalization.​specialCourtesy Base preferred Special courtesy 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.hospitalization.​specialArrangement Base preferred Special arrangements 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.hospitalization.​dischargeDisposition Base example Discharge disposition 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.location.status Base required EncounterLocationStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Encounter.location.physicalType Base example Location type 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Encounter If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Encounter 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 Encounter 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 Encounter If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Encounter 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()

 

Other representations of profile: CSV, Excel, Schematron

Notes:

Core Data Requirements

The Eswatini Encounter Profile constrains the base FHIR Encounter resource to ensure the capture of essential national data elements, including:

Encounter status to reflect the lifecycle of the interaction (e.g., planned, in-progress, completed) Encounter class and/or type to indicate the nature of service delivery Subject (Patient) identifying the individual receiving care Service provider organization responsible for the encounter Location(s) where care was delivered, aligned with national facility and service point definitions Period indicating when the encounter occurred

These elements enable consistent tracking of patient interactions across facilities and over time.

Interoperability and National Alignment

This profile is designed to:

Align with HL7 FHIR R4 Encounter semantics Support interoperability within the Eswatini National Digital Health Architecture Enable linkage with related resources such as Patient, Practitioner, Organization, and Location Facilitate reporting, analytics, and continuity of care across systems and programs

Where terminology bindings are applied, they are intended to support the use of nationally defined or approved code systems to ensure uniform interpretation of encounter data.

Data Quality and Conformance

Systems claiming conformance to this profile SHALL:

Populate all required elements as defined by the profile Use stable logical identifiers to support data exchange and record matching Ensure encounter data reflects real-world clinical workflows and timelines

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

Extensibility

The Eswatini Encounter Profile supports extensibility through standard FHIR mechanisms. Future national requirements—such as program-specific indicators or workflow enhancements—may be supported using FHIR extensions, provided they are governed and approved through national processes.

Summary

The Eswatini Encounter Profile provides a standardized, interoperable representation of healthcare encounters that supports clinical care delivery, health system management, and national health information exchange. By adopting this profile, systems contribute to a unified, high-quality, and interoperable digital health ecosystem for the Kingdom of Eswatini.