Data Mapping

Data Mapping

Converting existing data to FHIR format is a complex task. Clients often resort to writing intricate code in SQL or Python, or they rely on ETL tools, which become increasingly cumbersome as mappings grow more complex.

When clients write code themselves, the process becomes reliant on engineers who may not fully understand the data like analysts do. Over time, the SQL code becomes so convoluted that only one person is capable of making updates.

On the other hand, when analysts use ETL tools, simple mappings are manageable, but as complexity increases, they are forced to write elaborate scripts. Engineers are unable to assist effectively because ETL tools often use custom scripting languages unfamiliar to them.

Additionally, testing these mappings before deployment is challenging. There's no straightforward way to unit test each mapping individually or to automate the testing process to ensure changes are correct before manual testing in a database environment.

The b.well Open Source SDK addresses these challenges with its “AutoMapper” technology, which utilizes a simplified subset of the Python language. This allows analysts to easily learn and create mappings. The code editor features auto-complete, inline documentation, and error checking, ensuring that mappings are both easy to write and accurate. Since the underlying language is Python, engineers can collaborate with analysts in the same environment. Moreover, all public Python libraries are available for data mapping, cleaning, and enrichment.