Harmonising ICNP and SNOMED CT: A Model for Effective Collaboration

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Nursing Science
• Terminology Management

Background:

• Healthcare data relies on standardized terminologies for effective information exchange.
• Harmonizing nursing terminologies is crucial for interoperability and data analysis.
• Existing terminologies like ICNP and SNOMED CT have unique strengths but require alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a collaborative framework for harmonizing nursing terminologies.
• To explore practical approaches for aligning the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) and SNOMED Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT).
• To enhance understanding of collaborative working strategies in nursing and health informatics.

Main Methods:

• A panel discussion format was used to explore collaborative strategies.
• Semi-automated and manual mapping techniques between ICNP and SNOMED CT were discussed.
• Key collaborative processes including consensus building, clinical validation, and formal concept modeling were examined.

Main Results:

• The panel successfully illustrated a practical approach to inter-terminology harmonization.
• Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of various collaborative methods.
• The initiative highlighted the importance of joint efforts between nursing and informatics professionals.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative working is essential for successful health informatics initiatives.
• Harmonizing nursing terminologies like ICNP and SNOMED CT requires multi-faceted approaches.
• Effective collaboration leads to improved data quality and healthcare outcomes.