FHIR Profiling
One key function of profiles is to modify the cardinality of an element. A profile can restrict an element's cardinality within its base structure. The foundational FHIR structure defines the following types of cardinality:
- Optional array (0..*)
- Optional scalar (0..1)
- Required array (1..*)
- Required scalar (1..1)
With the following constraints:
- You cannot make a required element that is optional in the base profile.
- You cannot convert an array element into a scalar if it exists as an array in the base profile.
- You cannot change a scalar element into an array if it is defined as a scalar in the base profile.
Example of how to create a profile that makes the Patient.name field mandatory:
resourceType: StructureDefinition
url: http://example.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/patient-with-required-name
name: patient-profile
derivation: constraint
type: Patient
status: active
kind: resource
abstract: false
differential:
element:
- id: Patient.name
path: Patient.name
min: 1
max: "*"
