A reference architecture for semantic interoperability and its practical application.
OBJECTIVE
Reusing EPR data for secondary purposes often requires mapping to classifications and vocabularies such as ICD, LOINC or NCI thesaurus. We aimed for a common architecture which supports the use of different vocabularies and mapping tools.


METHODS
We integrated the components clinical data warehouse, vocabulary resources and mapping tools with the EPR and client applications.


RESULTS
In two projects we used this architecture to map laboratory parameters from the LIS to LOINC, and to map clinical data elements from the Soarian EPR to the cancer registry system using the NCI-Thesaurus®.


CONCLUSIONS
The approach was successful in both projects. The reference architecture does not resolve the mapping task, but provides reusable integration links between the different components and thus facilitates further mapping activities.
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.
Christian
C
Zunner
Medical Center for Information and Communication, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany.
Thomas
T
Ganslandt
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.
Hans-Ulrich
HU
Prokosch
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.
Thomas
T
Bürkle
D066289:Data Curation / Q000592:standards*; D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000145:classification* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005858:Germany; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D008498:Medical Record Linkage / Q000592:standards*; D009323:Natural Language Processing; D012016:Reference Values; D012660:Semantics; D018875:Vocabulary, Controlled