What is the term for the type of interoperability concerning the meaning of the exchanged data?

The correct term for the type of interoperability that focuses on the meaning of the exchanged data is semantic interoperability. This concept emphasizes the ability of different systems to not only exchange data but also to interpret that data accurately and consistently.

For example, two healthcare systems might share patient information, but if they do not have a common understanding of the medical terminologies, codes, or data formats used, the information could become misinterpreted or misused. Semantic interoperability ensures that when data is exchanged, both sending and receiving systems have a mutual understanding of the data's context and meaning, which is crucial for effective communication in healthcare settings.

This contrasts with the other types of interoperability. Technical interoperability concerns the physical or technical aspects of data exchange, such as hardware and software compatibility. Syntactic interoperability relates to the structure or format of exchanged data, ensuring that it is in a recognizable format for both systems. Process interoperability deals with the alignment of workflows and business processes between organizations or systems. Each of these types plays a significant role in the overall effectiveness of health information exchanges, but semantic interoperability is specifically focused on understanding the meaning behind the data exchanged.