title: HL7 version 3--an object-oriented methodology for collaborative standards development.
abstract: In January of 1997, Health Level Seven (HL7) began developing Version 3.0 of its standard. The Version 3 effort represents a transformation of the way that HL7 and its Technical Committees will develop future HL7 information interchange standards. This transformation involves applying object-oriented modelling to the development and specification of information interchange standards. This paper discusses the rationale that led HL7 to undertake this change and provides an overview of the Version 3 Message Development Framework which is HL7's new methodology. It also considers the features of the Version 3 methodology that can facilitate the development of international collaboration and consensus in health informatics standards.
authors.affiliation: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Beeler
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D016490:Integrated Advanced Information Management Systems / Q000592:standards*; D007391:International Cooperation; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000592:standards; D013038:Specialization; D018511:Systems Integration; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014825:Vocabulary