Towards a Multi Metamodelling Approach for Developing Distributed Healthcare Applications

Model Driven Engineering (MDE) uses formal methods to build mathematically rigorous models of complex systems. Metamodelling plays an important role in MDE as it is used to specify domain specific modelling languages. However, the potential of metamodelling has not been fully explored. Current approaches of MDE are often at a low level of abstraction and lack domain concepts for specifying behavior. In previous work, we proposed a multi metamodelling approach that captures the complexity of systems by using a metamodelling hierarchy, built from individually defined metamodels, each capturing different aspects of a healthcare domain. In this paper, we focus on modelling distributed healthcare applications and present an example from the healthcare domain. We address certain modelling aspects related to distributed applications such as process modelling, using message passing communication, and coordination of processes and resources

The Use of Metamodel-based Approach for Designing Healthcare Applications

Recently, the use of Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) via metamodeling approach is gaining more attention for software applications development. The community from the healthcare domain also attempts to employ the metamodel approach for producing quality healthcare applications. Healthcare applications have become an imperative in every attempt to improve healthcare management. Numerous studies reported that the healthcare domain is seen as a complex and unique domain, which involves dynamic characteristics. In addition, it is widely recognized that the increase of information exchange in the healthcare domain is caused by the diversity of healthcare data. This has led to the increase use of information technologies in the healthcare industry so as to enhance the healthcare delivery process via healthcare applications. However, the complexity of healthcare information leads to ineffective models and design of healthcare applications. Modeling the healthcare processes and developing healthcare applications are challenging tasks.  Hence, the advances of MDE have influenced the use of the metamodeling technique in the development of healthcare applications. Various metamodels are developed as a solution to provide a clear healthcare process model and a correct healthcare application. The aim of this paper is to analyse the use of the metamodel-based approach in designing healthcare applications. We believe that the metamodel-based approach would improve the development of healthcare applications.&nbsp

A Taxonomy of Case Management: Development, Dissemination and Impact

Background Case management is a widely-accepted care coordination strategy, although complex and variable due to the interaction of its components: model (theory); context (service); population and health condition; case manager's actions. This complexity impedes practice, quality analysis, policy and planning. The aim was to develop a case management taxonomy for a common understanding and language and assess the impact of international dissemination. Method The mixed methods used to develop the case management taxonomy included: scoping and mapping review to examine key components described in the literature; critical review of international frames for conceptual and technical frameworks; a nominal group of experts and feasibility analysis. After development, there was extensive international dissemination and impact assessment of dissemination to diverse groups. Results The taxonomy identifies the components and their relationship (two taxonomy trees), provides a glossary. The service tree comprises acute, mobility and intensity characteristics. The intervention tree comprises the main actions, actions and related actions of case manager interventions. There were 51 personalised taxonomy presentations to audiences across 11 countries and numerous non-personalised presentations. After dissemination data was collected from two questionnaires and opportunistic information. The taxonomy was perceived as highly acceptable and practical. Impact ratings (n=43) showed the taxonomy was: translated into meso organisation policy and international frameworks; embedded in tertiary education; used in practice with emerging uses in research. Conclusion The taxonomy provides a framework to manage case management complexity. It identifies and defines the components and their relationships. Impact ratings show the case management taxonomy is a useful tool in different sectors and fit for purpose across different health conditions, hereafter called the ‘case management taxonomy’