Test Automation of HL7 and SOA with GH Tester in Healthcare

Summary

There are many drivers for integration projects in the healthcare sector. A combination of older EDI protocols, such as HL7 version 2, combined with newer XML based standards such as HL7 version 3 and web services, create a complex distributed testing problem. The presence of software from multiple vendors adds to the complexity. For the first time, users can buy a single solution which meets all of these needs: GH Tester.

Details

Initiatives such as the National Programme for IT (NPfIT) and principles such as the private provision of healthcare benefits are driving the increased use of integration technology between IT systems in healthcare all over the world. As a leader in the testing of these types of system, Green Hat's products include unique features to improve user productivity in the healthcare sector.

A typical project may include many different types of integration, including service-oriented architecture (SOA), Web Services, HL7 version 2 and HL7 version 3. Without GH Tester, several testing tools would be required. Fortunately, GH Tester has all of the facilities you need. Whether you want to start a process, eavesdrop on one that is currently executing, or simulate a missing component, GH Tester comes with a complete toolbox for all aspects of healthcare integration projects.

Testing HL7 version 2

GH Tester includes full support for HL7 version 2, including user defined extensions. GH Tester can generate HL7 format data and send it in files, using a messaging technology such as JMS, or over HTTP, to the target system, wait for a response and then validate that response against the expected response, telling the user exactly what went wrong and where. GH Tester can also send back HL7 version 2 to requesting systems, enabling it to stub systems which would not ordinarily be available for testing.

GH Tester takes the leg work out of creating an HL7 message as it is already programmed with all of the message formats and can be customised to include your own variations.

Testing HL7 Version 3

GH Tester's bread and butter is in the world of XML, and HL7 version 3 is no exception to this.

Testing ebXML and Attachments

Nobody said the world of healthcare was simple, and no solution would be complete without support for ebXML and attachments, whatever their format. GH Tester offers this and more.

Testing MLLP

Support for HL7 would not be complete without the ability to support MLLP. GH Tester can do all of this, out of the box.

Stubbing

Missing a major component, such as the Spine? GH Tester can simulate any behaviour you need to exercise dependent systems, without any coding.

Security and Encryption

No matter how you send your data, security and encryption is a must have. GH Tester's layered approach means we can offer any of the data formats above over any encrypted medium, even custom ones invented specifically for your project can be encompassed by our unique modular approach to message composition and decomposition. Authentication mechanisms are also supported, allowing you to check that only the right people can see sensitive information.

Customer References

Green Hat has a number of healthcare references, including the British Telecom Local Service Provider for London, and the Wigan, Wrightington and Leigh Hospital Trust.