Core framework
The ITK Release 2 delivered a refreshed ITK core framework with a range of new functional themes. The current version of ITK contains the following component packs:
The ITK Core is a common framework which ITK functional sub packs rely on. It includes details of interaction patterns, acknowledgements, error handling, audit trail and security. It includes:
- core service definitions - definitions of services which are applicable across the ITK
- transport specifications - messages and contents have been designed to be independent of transport. Web services are the default transport, but others such as Data Transfer Services (DTS), are also supported
- architecture specifications - specifications describing the expected technical behaviours of ITK applications and middleware
- distribution envelope - ITK payloads are wrapped in a 'thin' wrapper called the Distribution Envelope, containing information for routing the transmission and details about its payloads
- acknowledgement framework - an overview of the acknowledgements appropriate for ITK implementations
- a target operating model - describing the responsibilities of an organisation deploying an ITK solution (such as Information Governance, Clinical Safety and Governance)
ITK message authentication
As part of an extensive review of the ITK Architecture Specifications, during 2012 a team comprising representatives from the centre and the suppliers agreed a number of changes to the way ITK messages are authenticated.
The changes reflected implementation difficulties presented by the nature of the WS-Security header signing specification given current development platforms, and addressed the inclusion in ITK of multi-hop and non-SOAP transports. Technical details on the reasons for these changes are given in ITK Security Briefing Paper - Straw man Proposals.
Health and Social Care Integration Domain Message Specification
The Health and Social Care Integration Domain Message Specification supports the communication requirements of the Common Assessment Framework for Adults.
This Department of Health policy is intended to improve the experience of individuals and their carers who use health and social care services by introducing a more proportionate and personalised assessment and care and support planning process, supported by information sharing between NHS and social care IT systems.
The programme of work has three core components: Assessment with Care and Support Planning, Hospital Discharge Notifications to Social Care and NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Child Screening Domain Message Specification
The Child Screening Domain Message Specification details the message definitions and interactions required to support the child screening work stream.
Telehealth Domain Message Specification
Telehealth Domain Message Specification contains details of message definitions and interactions required to support the national rollout of Telehealth.
The ITK R2 specifications are available for download by registering on our distribution portal TRUD. By registering interest in the ITK distribution packs we will keep you informed when changes or new releases become available.
We have recently published a reference implementation of some of the elements of ITK. It's aimed at developers and organisations involved in the development and deployment of ITK-based solutions and it aims to provide an invaluable point of reference when understanding the ITK specifications. You can access this resource on our developer network.
Last edited: 30 April 2019 2:42 pm