Modeling hospital information systems. Part 1: The revised three-layer graph-based meta model 3LGM2.

Area of Science:

• Information Science
• Computer Science
• Healthcare Informatics

Background:

• Information managers, like architects, require robust modeling tools for their work.
• Strategic information management in hospitals necessitates specialized modeling approaches.
• Existing HIS modeling methods may not adequately address the complexity of hospital information systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the 3LGM2 meta model as an ontological basis for modeling hospital information systems (HIS).
• To support strategic information management within hospital environments.
• To provide a comprehensive framework for describing HIS, encompassing various aspects of information processing.

Main Methods:

• A case study was conducted to deduce requirements for HIS modeling.
• The 3LGM2 meta model was designed using the Unified Modeling Language (UML).
• The model describes HIS across three layers: domain, logical tool, and physical tool, with significant inter-layer relationships.

Main Results:

• Developed a meta model (3LGM2) capable of describing HIS, including technical, semantic, computer-based, and paper-based information processing.
• Created a graphical software tool to support the creation of 3LGM2 compliant models.
• The tool aids in identifying shortcomings in logical or physical layers that hinder meeting domain layer information needs.
• 3LGM2 can serve as an ontology for natural language descriptions of HIS.

Conclusions:

• Dedicated methods and tools, such as 3LGM2, can effectively support strategic information management in hospitals.
• Positive experiences with 3LGM2 in digital document archiving at Leipzig University Hospital were noted.
• Further evaluation is needed to fully assess the benefits of the 3LGM2 method and tool.