An Approach for the Semantic Interoperability of SNOMED

Abstract

The semantic and syntactic interoperability introduces the capability of two machines to communicate and understand each other improving then the quality of Electronic Health Records. In this work, is presented an independent application of the medical record, using a web service (with protocol TCP/IP) capable of provide human interaction with interfaces in different devices (web, android app., browser). SNOMED CT is a comprehensive and scientifically validated health care terminology resulting in an organized computer processable collection of medical terms. This can be mapped into other systems of codes like ICD also used in our application. A data base (SNOMED codes and relations) was created capable of answer to all sort of queries from the users using the browser or the mobile application. The first hospital unit to enjoy this system was the pathological anatomy unit of the CHAA hospital. Here after receiving a “piece” and a task, the responsible performs all kind of procedures with the purpose of performing a report (diagnosis for example). With the implementation of SNOMED CT, to produce reports a physician could search for the name of the “piece” or the code and immediately upload in that patient HER the diagnosis. The usage of this codes leads to report uniformed that could be read and understood around the world. Another important feature of the application is the incorporation within the AIDA, AIDA-PCE and AIDA-BI. Experiments with real user show a successful software implementation judging by the utilization rate and medical personal acceptance. The mobile application should suffer an upgrade allowing the patient usage for example.