Spezi Data Pipeline: Streamlining FHIR-based Interoperable Digital Health Data Workflows

Abstract: The increasing adoption of digital health technologies has amplified the need for robust, interoperable solutions to manage complex healthcare data. We present the Spezi Data Pipeline, an open-source Python toolkit designed to streamline the analysis of digital health data, from secure access and retrieval to processing, visualization, and export. The Pipeline is integrated into the larger Stanford Spezi open-source ecosystem for developing research and translational digital health software systems. Leveraging HL7 FHIR-based data representations, the pipeline enables standardized handling of diverse data types--including sensor-derived observations, ECG recordings, and clinical questionnaires--across research and clinical environments. We detail the modular system architecture and demonstrate its application using real-world data from the PAWS at Stanford University, in which the pipeline facilitated efficient extraction, transformation, and clinician-driven review of Apple Watch ECG data, supporting annotation and comparative analysis alongside traditional monitors. By reducing the need for bespoke development and enhancing workflow efficiency, the Spezi Data Pipeline advances the scalability and interoperability of digital health research, ultimately supporting improved care delivery and patient outcomes.