Reference: Campbell, K. E.; Das, A. K.; & Musen, M. A. A Logical Foundation for Representation of Clinical Data. 1994.
Abstract: Our ability to process clinical data has been limited by our inability to represent clinical data in a widely accepted standardized format. Should a standardized format be adopted that does not have a logical foundation, our ability to process this information will still be limited, because operations such as determining equivalencies between terms and combinations of other terms cannot be automated reliably. A logical foundation is necessary for the development of sound and general models for representation of clinical data; such models may include detailed models of time, anatomy, and uncertainty. In this paper, we propose a model for standardizing the format of clinical data and for standardizing terminological definitions using conceptual graphs as a notation for logic. We use time as an example to show how conceptual graphs can represent models upon which representation schemes are founded. Finally, we show how an existing terminology system, SNOMED International, can be enhanced to fit within this model.
Notes: Updated May.