Integrating technologies, methodologies, and databases into a comprehensive terminology management environment to support interoperability among clinical information systems

Controlled clinical terminologies are essential to realizing the benefits of electronic health record systems. However, implementing consistent and sustainable use of terminology has proven to be both intellectually and practically challenging. First, this project derives a conceptual understanding of the scope and intricacies of the challenge by applying informatics principles, practical experience, and real-world requirements. Equipped with this understanding, various approaches are explored and from this analysis a unique solution is defined. Finally, a working environment that meets the requirements for creating, maintaining, and distributing terminologies was created and evaluated.