connectathon

Connectathon is a testing event organized by standards groups such as IHE and HL7 in which participating vendors, healthcare providers, system integrators, and researchers come together to validate the interoperability of healthcare information systems. The focus is on end-to-end workflows and the exchange of real-world messages across different products and platforms, using predefined test scenarios and integration profiles.

During the event, teams bring their software and test against others through a series of live sessions, using test harnesses and sample data. Test scenarios cover areas such as patient identity management, order entry and results, document sharing, and health information exchange. Profiles specify the required message formats, actor roles, and synchronization rules (for example HL7 versions, DICOM imaging workflows, or IHE profiles). Evaluators monitor exchanges, log successes and failures, and record any deviations or defects.

Outcomes: Participants receive pass/fail assessments for each test case, with issues documented for remediation. Results are typically published by the organizing body and may inform future product readiness, conformance testing, or certification processes. The event serves to identify interoperability gaps, promote vendor collaboration, and accelerate adoption of interoperable systems.

Variations: Connectathons occur at regional and international levels and may focus on HL7's Connectathons, IHE Connectathons, or other standards communities. They are distinct from, but complementary to, formal certification programs. The events have historically helped align industry practice and provided a practical forum for testing across heterogeneous environments.