A UML-based meta-framework for system design in public health informatics.
The National Agenda for Public Health Informatics calls for standards in data and knowledge representation within public health, which requires a multi-level framework that links all aspects of public health.


METHODS
The literature of public health informatics and public health informatics application were reviewed. A UML-based systems analysis was performed. Face validity of results was evaluated in analyzing the public health domain of lead poisoning.


RESULTS
The core class of the UML-based system of public health is the Public Health Domain, which is associated with multiple Problems, for which Actors provide Perspectives. Actors take Actions that define, generate, utilize and/or evaluate Data Sources. The life cycle of the domain is a sequence of activities attributed to its problems that spirals through multiple iterations and realizations within a domain.


CONCLUSIONS
The proposed Public Health Informatics Meta-Framework broadens efforts in applying informatics principles to the field of public health
Orlova
Anna O
AO
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Lehmann
Harold
H
D003199:Computer Systems; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D007855:Lead Poisoning; D011381:Programming Languages; D040442:Public Health Informatics; D012984:Software; D013358:Subject Headings