Mapping the Entire Record-An Alternative Approach to Data Access from Medical Logic Modules

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Health Information Systems

Background:

• Clinical decision support (CDS) systems require efficient access to electronic medical records (EMRs).
• Existing methods for accessing EMR data within CDS functions can be complex and hinder widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an alternative approach for accessing EMR data for CDS functions using Arden Syntax.
• To facilitate uniform data access from Medical Logic Modules (MLMs).

Main Methods:

• Implemented a method to transform patient data from a patient data management system (PDMS) into tree-structured documents (CDS EMRs) using an experimental Arden Syntax processor.
• Encoded CDS EMRs in XML format, directly transformable to Arden Syntax data types via an integrated mapper.
• Designed the internal structure of CDS EMRs to mirror the graphical user interface of the PDMS.

Main Results:

• Developed an architecture providing CDS EMRs as a network service, enabling uniform data access for all MLMs.
• The system requires only a case number for data access, with measurements addressable via simple path expressions.
• The approach has been in routine clinical use at a German university hospital for over two years.

Conclusions:

• The practical approach enhances the use of CDS functions in clinical routine.
• The method is transferable to standard-compliant Arden Syntax processors with moderate effort.
• This approach can facilitate teaching, development, and promote the dissemination of the Arden Syntax standard.