HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide Laboratory Report
0.1.0 - ballot Italy flag

This page is part of the HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide Laboratory Report (v0.1.0: Release 1 Ballot 1) based on FHIR R4. This is the current published version in its permanent home (it will always be available at this URL). For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: PractitionerRoleRefertoLabIt - Detailed Descriptions

Draft as of 2023-07-11

Definitions for the practitionerrole-it-lab resource profile.

Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here.

1. PractitionerRole
2. PractitionerRole.identifier
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Must Supporttrue
3. PractitionerRole.period
Must Supporttrue
4. PractitionerRole.practitioner
TypeReference(PractitionerRefertoLabIt|Practitioner)
Must Supporttrue
5. PractitionerRole.organization
TypeReference(OrganizationRefertoLabIt|Organization)
Must Supporttrue
6. PractitionerRole.code
Must Supporttrue

Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here.

1. PractitionerRole
Definition

A specific set of Roles/Locations/specialties/services that a practitioner may perform at an organization for a period of time.

Control0..*
Summaryfalse
InvariantsDefined on this element
dom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (: contained.contained.empty())
dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (: contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (: contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (: contained.meta.security.empty())
dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (: text.`div`.exists())
2. PractitionerRole.implicitRules
Definition

A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.

Control0..1
Typeuri
Is Modifiertrue
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Comments

Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
3. PractitionerRole.modifierExtension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifiertrue
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (: extension.exists() != value.exists())
4. PractitionerRole.identifier
Definition

Business Identifiers that are specific to a role/location.

NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Often, specific identities are assigned for the agent.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
5. PractitionerRole.period
Definition

The period during which the person is authorized to act as a practitioner in these role(s) for the organization.

Control0..1
TypePeriod
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Even after the agencies is revoked, the fact that it existed must still be recorded.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
6. PractitionerRole.practitioner
Definition

Practitioner that is able to provide the defined services for the organization.

Control0..1
TypeReference(PractitionerRefertoLabIt|Practitioner)
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
7. PractitionerRole.organization
Definition

The organization where the Practitioner performs the roles associated.

Control0..1
TypeReference(OrganizationRefertoLabIt|Organization)
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
8. PractitionerRole.code
Definition

Roles which this practitioner is authorized to perform for the organization.

Control0..*
BindingFor example codes, see PractitionerRole
TypeCodeableConcept
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to know what authority the practitioner has - what can they do?

Comments

A person may have more than one role.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))

Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here.

1. PractitionerRole
Definition

A specific set of Roles/Locations/specialties/services that a practitioner may perform at an organization for a period of time.

Control0..*
Summaryfalse
2. PractitionerRole.id
Definition

The logical id of the resource, as used in the URL for the resource. Once assigned, this value never changes.

Control0..1
Typeid
Summarytrue
Comments

The only time that a resource does not have an id is when it is being submitted to the server using a create operation.

3. PractitionerRole.meta
Definition

The metadata about the resource. This is content that is maintained by the infrastructure. Changes to the content might not always be associated with version changes to the resource.

Control0..1
TypeMeta
Summarytrue
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
4. PractitionerRole.implicitRules
Definition

A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.

Control0..1
Typeuri
Is Modifiertrue
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Comments

Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
5. PractitionerRole.language
Definition

The base language in which the resource is written.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguages A human language
Additional BindingsPurpose
AllLanguagesMax Binding
Typecode
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
Comments

Language is provided to support indexing and accessibility (typically, services such as text to speech use the language tag). The html language tag in the narrative applies to the narrative. The language tag on the resource may be used to specify the language of other presentations generated from the data in the resource. Not all the content has to be in the base language. The Resource.language should not be assumed to apply to the narrative automatically. If a language is specified, it should it also be specified on the div element in the html (see rules in HTML5 for information about the relationship between xml:lang and the html lang attribute).

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
6. PractitionerRole.text
Definition

A human-readable narrative that contains a summary of the resource and can be used to represent the content of the resource to a human. The narrative need not encode all the structured data, but is required to contain sufficient detail to make it "clinically safe" for a human to just read the narrative. Resource definitions may define what content should be represented in the narrative to ensure clinical safety.

Control0..1
TypeNarrative
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesnarrative, html, xhtml, display
Comments

Contained resources do not have narrative. Resources that are not contained SHOULD have a narrative. In some cases, a resource may only have text with little or no additional discrete data (as long as all minOccurs=1 elements are satisfied). This may be necessary for data from legacy systems where information is captured as a "text blob" or where text is additionally entered raw or narrated and encoded information is added later.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
7. PractitionerRole.contained
Definition

These resources do not have an independent existence apart from the resource that contains them - they cannot be identified independently, and nor can they have their own independent transaction scope.

Control0..*
TypeResource
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesinline resources, anonymous resources, contained resources
Comments

This should never be done when the content can be identified properly, as once identification is lost, it is extremely difficult (and context dependent) to restore it again. Contained resources may have profiles and tags In their meta elements, but SHALL NOT have security labels.

8. PractitionerRole.extension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (: extension.exists() != value.exists())
9. PractitionerRole.modifierExtension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifiertrue
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (: extension.exists() != value.exists())
10. PractitionerRole.identifier
Definition

Business Identifiers that are specific to a role/location.

NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Often, specific identities are assigned for the agent.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
11. PractitionerRole.active
Definition

Whether this practitioner role record is in active use.

Control0..1
Typeboolean
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to be able to mark a practitioner role record as not to be used because it was created in error, or otherwise no longer in active use.

Comments

If this value is false, you may refer to the period to see when the role was in active use. If there is no period specified, no inference can be made about when it was active.

Meaning if MissingThis resource is generally assumed to be active if no value is provided for the active element
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
12. PractitionerRole.period
Definition

The period during which the person is authorized to act as a practitioner in these role(s) for the organization.

Control0..1
TypePeriod
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Even after the agencies is revoked, the fact that it existed must still be recorded.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
13. PractitionerRole.practitioner
Definition

Practitioner that is able to provide the defined services for the organization.

Control0..1
TypeReference(PractitionerRefertoLabIt)
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
14. PractitionerRole.organization
Definition

The organization where the Practitioner performs the roles associated.

Control0..1
TypeReference(OrganizationRefertoLabIt)
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
15. PractitionerRole.code
Definition

Roles which this practitioner is authorized to perform for the organization.

Control0..*
BindingFor example codes, see PractitionerRole
TypeCodeableConcept
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to know what authority the practitioner has - what can they do?

Comments

A person may have more than one role.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
16. PractitionerRole.specialty
Definition

Specific specialty of the practitioner.

Control0..*
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from PracticeSettingCodeValueSet Specific specialty associated with the agency
TypeCodeableConcept
Summarytrue
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
17. PractitionerRole.location
Definition

The location(s) at which this practitioner provides care.

Control0..*
TypeReference(Location)
Summarytrue
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
18. PractitionerRole.healthcareService
Definition

The list of healthcare services that this worker provides for this role's Organization/Location(s).

Control0..*
TypeReference(HealthcareService)
Summaryfalse
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
19. PractitionerRole.telecom
Definition

Contact details that are specific to the role/location/service.

Control0..*
TypeContactPoint
Summarytrue
Requirements

Often practitioners have a dedicated line for each location (or service) that they work at, and need to be able to define separate contact details for each of these.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
20. PractitionerRole.availableTime
Definition

A collection of times the practitioner is available or performing this role at the location and/or healthcareservice.

Control0..*
TypeBackboneElement
Summaryfalse
Comments

More detailed availability information may be provided in associated Schedule/Slot resources.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
21. PractitionerRole.availableTime.id
Definition

Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

Control0..1
Typestring
XML RepresentationIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
22. PractitionerRole.availableTime.extension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (: extension.exists() != value.exists())
23. PractitionerRole.availableTime.modifierExtension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifiertrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (: extension.exists() != value.exists())
24. PractitionerRole.availableTime.daysOfWeek
Definition

Indicates which days of the week are available between the start and end Times.

Control0..*
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from DaysOfWeek The days of the week
Typecode
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
25. PractitionerRole.availableTime.allDay
Definition

Is this always available? (hence times are irrelevant) e.g. 24 hour service.

Control0..1
Typeboolean
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
26. PractitionerRole.availableTime.availableStartTime
Definition

The opening time of day. Note: If the AllDay flag is set, then this time is ignored.

Control0..1
Typetime
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
Comments

The timezone is expected to be for where this HealthcareService is provided at.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
27. PractitionerRole.availableTime.availableEndTime
Definition

The closing time of day. Note: If the AllDay flag is set, then this time is ignored.

Control0..1
Typetime
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
Comments

The timezone is expected to be for where this HealthcareService is provided at.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
28. PractitionerRole.notAvailable
Definition

The practitioner is not available or performing this role during this period of time due to the provided reason.

Control0..*
TypeBackboneElement
Summaryfalse
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
29. PractitionerRole.notAvailable.id
Definition

Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

Control0..1
Typestring
XML RepresentationIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
30. PractitionerRole.notAvailable.extension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (: extension.exists() != value.exists())
31. PractitionerRole.notAvailable.modifierExtension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifiertrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (: extension.exists() != value.exists())
32. PractitionerRole.notAvailable.description
Definition

The reason that can be presented to the user as to why this time is not available.

Control1..1
Typestring
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
33. PractitionerRole.notAvailable.during
Definition

Service is not available (seasonally or for a public holiday) from this date.

Control0..1
TypePeriod
Summaryfalse
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
34. PractitionerRole.availabilityExceptions
Definition

A description of site availability exceptions, e.g. public holiday availability. Succinctly describing all possible exceptions to normal site availability as details in the available Times and not available Times.

Control0..1
Typestring
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
35. PractitionerRole.endpoint
Definition

Technical endpoints providing access to services operated for the practitioner with this role.

Control0..*
TypeReference(Endpoint)
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Organizations have multiple systems that provide various services and ,ay also be different for practitioners too.

So the endpoint satisfies the need to be able to define the technical connection details for how to connect to them, and for what purpose.

InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))