A Review of Requirements for Information Models in Learning Health Systems

Learning Health System (LHS) and integrated care are challenged due to a fragmented health data landscape. An information model is agnostic to the underlying data structures and can potentially contribute to mitigating some of the gaps. In a research project, Valkyrie, we are exploring how metadata can be organized and used to promote service coordination and interoperability across levels of care. An information model is viewed as central in this context and as a future integrated LHS support. We examined the literature regarding property requirements for data, information and knowledge models in the context of semantic interoperability and an LHS. The requirements were elicited and synthesized into five guiding principles as a vocabulary to inform the information model design of Valkyrie. Further research on requirements and guiding principles for information model design and evaluation are welcomed.