Reference

FHIR R5 structural data type, resource model and inter-resource links.

Definition

Reference realises the edges of the FHIR graph. Its primary reference field holds a relative URL (Patient/123) or absolute URL; optional type, identifier (logical reference) and display fields complement or replace the literal pointer.

Origin

Defined in the HL7 FHIR specification (the « References between Resources » section and the Reference data type), published by HL7 International; FHIR R4 underpins ISO-recognised health interoperability profiles.

Example in context

"subject": { "reference": "Patient/123", "display": "Jean Dupont" }

Related terms

• contained (FHIR) — inline resources referenced by #id.
• canonical (FHIR) — versioned reference to a definitional resource.