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SGML as a message interchange format in healthcare
R H Dolin1, L Alschuler, T Bray
1Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Region, USA. Robert.H.Dolin@kp.org
Summary
Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) shows promise as a healthcare message interchange format, comparing favorably with other syntaxes. Further study is needed to optimize modular approaches for greater functionality.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Information Standards
- Healthcare Interoperability
Background:
- The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) evaluated healthcare message interchange formats in 1993, excluding Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) due to resource limitations.
- This study extends the CEN report by formally assessing SGML's suitability as a healthcare message interchange format.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formally evaluate the use of SGML as a message interchange format in healthcare.
- To extend the findings of the 1993 CEN report on healthcare interchange formats.
Main Methods:
- Adhered to the methodology established by CEN, utilizing their provided example scenarios and healthcare data model.
- Mapped general message descriptions, derived from the CEN model, to SGML to assess its support for functional requirements.
Main Results:
- SGML's performance was compared directly against other syntaxes evaluated by CEN, including ASN.1, ASTM E1238, EDIFACT, EUCLIDES, and ODA.
- Results indicate that SGML favorably compares with the other investigated syntaxes.
Conclusions:
- No single interchange format, including SGML, fully supports all identified functional requirements for healthcare messaging.
- Further research is necessary to develop optimal and standardized mechanisms for combining different formats through modular approaches to enhance overall functionality.