| Public Reports:
Medical terminologies - details
|
|
|
 [2003]
Introduction of a Clinical Terminology in The Netherlands:
Needs, Constraints, Opportunities.
|
"
The main objective of this study was to answer the question ‘Is it sensible to aim for a
national introduction of SNOMED CT, and if so for which sectors of healthcare?’ The
secondary questions were on alternatives and an estimate of costs involved.
In collaboration with the National Health Service (NHS), the College of American
Pathologists (CAP) has developed a very detailed clinical terminology (SNOMED CT). The
full introduction of a product like SNOMED means a revolutionary change in recording
practice. The question is whether this is necessary, desirable, or even feasible. An
evolutionary process of introducing technologies is certainly worth considering.
This study is based on interviews and numerous internal documents that were kindly
shared by the interviewed persons, as well as documents from public resources.
The conclusion on SNOMED is that, though it is the leading candidate to become a
defacto global standard, it has not yet reached sufficient maturity. At the same time it is
concluded there also is a fundamental lack of understanding on terminology requirements
in the (Dutch) healthcare sector. Further research is strongly recommended. In
experiments SNOMED can serve as an instrument to elicit ate those requirements. As
long as the user requirements are not sufficiently clarified a further investigation of
alternative terminologies is considered as not yet relevant. A few prototypical Open
Source and commercial examples are described in some detail in the appendixes.
Though recent developments suggest that terminology is only used in the context of the
health record, it should be observed that there are many secondary usages of coded data
such as in health statistics. The number of actors in the field, the growing complexity and
interdependencies, do demand a more integrated approach of all matters of health
terminology."
Summary of recommendations (see Chapter 8) of the report for details:
-
"Conduct at least two major real life learning experiments with SNOMED. Make on
the basis of the outcome a decision on SNOMED as a national standard
-
Continue with a more principled further development and maintenance of existing
reporting classifications. Do investigate if this new approach is a viable start for a
clinical terminology.
-
Establish a national expertise centre for all Health Terminology
-
Secure appropriate access to coded data. Insist on sufficiently Open Source
conditions for a national reference terminology
-
Further develop criteria for specification and certification of terminologies and derived
products
-
Be prepared for a central annual expenditure of at least 2 Million Euro on health
terminology."
|
|
|
|
| acknowledgements |
| Pieter Zanstra, Kermanog BV, Houwerzijl, the Netherlands |
| page history |
Entry on OpenClinical: 2003
Last main update: 2003 |
|
Report