Annotation Systems in the Medical Domain: A Literature Review

Abstract

AbstractIn the literature, a wide number of annotation systems in the e-health sector have been implemented. These systems are distinguished by a number of aspects. In fact, each of these systems is based on a different paradigm, resulting in a jumbled and confused vision. The purpose of this study is to categorize medical annotation systems in order to provide a standardized overview. To accomplish this, we combed through twenty years’ worth of scientific literature on annotation systems. Then, we utilized five filters to determine which systems would proceed to the classification phase. The following filters have been chosen: accessible, free, web-based or stand-alone, easily installable, functional, availability of documentation. The classification step is performed on systems that evaluate “true” for all of these filters. This classification is based on three modules: the publication module, the general information module and the functional module. This research gave us the chance to draw attention to the issues that healthcare professionals may face when using these systems in their regular work.