I am helping a group that is developing recommendations on patient-level data collection, and we are considering which non-response or FHIR “null flavor” options should be included. Would it be FHIR compliant if we used a non-response option for patient-level data collection that is not included within the null flavor list, and mapped this non-response option to a FHIR null flavor for use within data storage and exchange?
For example, patient-level data collection on race might include specific race concepts plus non-response options such as “prefer not to say” or “choose not to answer,” and these non-response options would then be mapped to the applicable FHIR null flavor when used within data storage and exchange. The FHIR null flavors don’t seem appropriate to ask a patient on a survey.
FHIR Null flavors: NullFlavor - FHIR v4.0.1
Thanks for your help!