Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework and CACDI
The Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework defines and standardizes health information by way of the Data Content Standard and common data architecture. For implementers of the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework, these products define how data should be captured and stored, as well as what data should follow patients from one care setting to another. These products are essential for information and decision-making in clinical care planning, resource management, population health and health system use.
A subset of the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework is the Canadian Core Data for Interoperability (CACDI). The CACDI works in tandem with Canada ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Infoway’s CA Core+, the pan-Canadian Fast ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨care Interoperability Resource (FHIR) profiles, to facilitate interoperability and data exchange within the Canadian health care landscape.
The Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework and the CACDI are technology-agnostic, which means that they are flexible and can be used with any software solution.
These products have a crucial role in ensuring the seamless exchange of consistent, accurate and interoperable health data from a family doctor to a specialist, or from a clinic to a hospital.
The image illustrates sequencing from the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework to the pan-Canadian interoperability standards led by Canada ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Infoway.
- A large circle labelled "Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework" contains a smaller circle labelled "CACDI."
- An arrow from the "CACDI" circle points to another circle of the same size labelled "CA Core+."
What’s new in this release
Version 1 of the CACDI and the updated Logical Data Model are now available, featuring refined data elements and definitions, and the addition of a terminology foundation section. These enhancements improve clarity, usability and alignment with interoperability standards.
Version 1 of the CACDI focuses on person-centric information:
Person Information
- Person Identifier Value
- Person Identifier Type
- Given Name
- Middle Name
- Surname
- Name Used
- Birth Date
Allergies and Intolerances
- Allergy or Intolerance
- Allergy or Intolerance Reaction
Immunizations
- Immunization
- Immunization Date
Social Determinants of ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ (SDOH)
- Service Language
- Indigenous Identity
- Racialized Group
Medication
- Medication
- Medication Dose Value
- Medication Dose Unit of Measure
- Medication Route of Administration
- Medication Timing
- Medication End Date and Time
- Medication Reason
ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Concerns
- ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Concern
- ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Concern Clinical Status
Uses of the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework and the CACDI
The CACDI provides the foundation for pan-Canadian, interoperable health information exchange across health care systems.
Technology vendors and industry partners will use the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework, CACDI and CA Core+ as their reference for data capture, for data storage, for developing databases and registries, and for data exchange. By adopting or mapping to the common data architecture established by the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework, the CACDI and the CA Core+ FHIR profiles for data exchange, data captured in electronic medical records (EMRs), electronic health records (EHRs) and hospital information systems (HIS) will be accurate and consistent, and will carry the same meaning — that is, such data will be interpreted in the same way by all these systems.
Approach for the development of the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework and the CACDI
A collaborative, multi-pronged and iterative approach is used to develop and consult on the products of the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework. This approach includes
- Analysis of Canadian and international standards, frameworks, data models and best practices, including the pan-Canadian data exchange standards under development by Canada ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Infoway;
- Extensive consultation in Canada and abroad, including with people with lived experience and their families, Indigenous Peoples, clinicians, care providers, technology vendors and industry partners, researchers, provincial and territorial governments, federal departments, pan-Canadian health organizations, international standards and digital health organizations;
- Co-contributor working groups that focus on the development and refinement of the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework Data Content Standard and Common Data Architecture; and
- Open reviews that solicit feedback on the draft of the Data Content Standard, CACDI and common data architecture.
Through an iterative development process and with the feedback received, changes are made to products while ensuring alignment across the Data Content Standard and common data architecture. A detailed list of source documents consulted in the development of the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework can be found in its .
Provide your feedback
Products of the Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework
View and download Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework products.
Open review
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Get involved
If you have questions about this initiative, would like to be added to our stakeholder notification list or would like to participate in our consultations, please email us.
How to cite:
Canadian Institute for ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Information. Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Content Framework and CACDI. Accessed April 3, 2025.
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