connectathons

Connectathons are structured testing events in which organizations bring software components to be evaluated for interoperability against standardized interfaces, data models, and workflows. They aim to accelerate the integration of systems by validating how products exchange, interpret, and use information in realistic scenarios.

Although used in multiple sectors, connectathons are especially prominent in health information technology. Organizations such as IHE (Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise) and HL7 organize connectathons to assess conformance to profiles and standards, including HL7 FHIR, HL7 v2, CDA, CCD, and DICOM. Participants test combinations of systems to ensure end-to-end compatibility.

During a connectathon, participants implement predefined test cases, execute end-to-end scenarios, and exchange messages or documents with other participants in a controlled network. Test plans, success criteria, and issue registries guide the process, and results are recorded, reviewed by a testing committee, and often publicly documented. The emphasis is on real-world data exchange and workflows rather than isolated unit testing.

Benefits of connectathons include early identification of interoperability issues, alignment of vendor implementations with consensus standards, and the generation of evidence of conformance used in procurement and regulatory contexts. They also foster collaboration among vendors, healthcare providers, standards organizations, and researchers, contributing to broader adoption of interoperable solutions.

Organizationally, connectathons are typically organized by standards bodies such as IHE and HL7, sometimes in partnership with industry groups. They are usually multi-day events held at conference centers, with increasing options for remote participation to broaden involvement.