Digital form workflows in healthcare integrate SDC forms with clinical processes. Five patterns cover essentially all production deployments.

Pattern 1: Pre-visit patient intake. Patient completes form 24-48 hours before visit. QuestionnaireResponse feeds check-in workflow. Best for reducing check-in time.

Pattern 2: In-visit clinician documentation. SDC form embedded in clinician workflow. Completed response extracted into Observation, Condition resources via $extract. Best for structured clinical documentation.

Pattern 3: Post-visit PROM collection. Standardized PROMIS, PHQ-9, or specialty-specific PROMs delivered via portal. Results feed longitudinal Observation resources.

Pattern 4: Consent capture. Consent forms modeled as Questionnaire; response generates Consent resource. Best for research, treatment authorizations.

Pattern 5: Chronic condition monitoring. Daily/weekly symptom Questionnaires for patients with chronic conditions. Responses feed care team review.

Delivery channel matrix

Common workflow integration mistakes

1. Form not appearing in clinician workflow → adoption fails. 2. Manual data re-entry after form completion → defeats purpose. 3. No downstream extraction → data trapped in Questionnaire. 4. No terminology binding → free-text values, analytics broken. 5. Compliance not automated → consent gaps.

Vendor tooling (mid-2026)

Digital form workflows in 2026 are a solved discipline. The five patterns above map to essentially every clinical use case.