Intelligent semantic interoperability: Integrating knowledge, terminology and information models to support stroke care.
BACKGROUND
Electronic patient record (EPR) systems for the continuity of care for stroke patient are under development. These systems are based on standards such as for clinical practice, vocabularies, and the HL7 information model.


OBJECTIVE
In order to achieve intelligent semantic interoperability, knowledge about evidence based patient care, vocabulary and information models need to be integrated.


METHODS
A format was developed in which the clinical knowledge, clinical terminology, and standard information models are integrated as specification for the technical implementation of electronic health systems and electronic messages. This format is verified by clinicians and technicians.


RESULTS
The document structure consists of meta-information such as version control and changes, purpose of the clinical content, evidence from the literature, variables and values, terminology used, guidelines for application and interpretation, HL7 message models, coding, and technical data specification. Further, XML message excerpts, archetypes and screen designs are developed from these documents to facilitate implementation.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of these aspects in one document creates valuable content for intelligent semantic interoperability by means of development of messages and systems.
Goossen
William T F
WT
Acquest Research, Development and Consulting, Koudekerk aan den Rijn, The Netherlands. williamtfgoossen@cs.com
D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000592:standards*; D009426:Netherlands; D012660:Semantics; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing*