Logical ontology for mediating between nursing intervention terminology systems

Objectives: Several researchers have proposed the use of logical ontologies as reference terminologies'. However, there are a number of unresolved issues. This article describes the development of a logical ontology for nursing interventions and presents the results of evaluation. Methods: Initially this study involved the development in GRAIL of two separate experimental ontologies: an ontology based on the textual content of informal definitions for nursing interventions drown from the Nursing interventions Classification; and an ontology based On labels for the some nursing interventions. Following initial bench-testing, the ontology based on labels was selected for extension (to accommodate also nursing intervention components of the Home Health Care Classification System and the Omaha System), for further testing and for external evaluation. Results: A hierarchy of nursing interventions generated automatically from the experimental antolagy based on informal definitions cantained only 3 hierarchical relationships, compared to 214 for the initial ontology based on labels. For the final extended ontology based on labels, the generated hierarchy contained the three source terminology systems in entirety - there were a total of 2861 hierarchical relationships. While the results of comporative bench testing of the final ontology were fovourable, the results of external evaluation were mixed and showed little agreement between reviewers. Conclusion: This study suggests that while a logical ontology based on labels might be a useful tool for mediating between nursing intervention terminology systems, a formative consensus type development methodology might improve the approach by helping to harmonise ideological differences that may exist across the nursing profession

Developing and evaluating a logical ontology for mediating between nursing intervention terminology systems

Objectives - Several researchers have proposed the use of logical ontologies as ‘reference terminologies’. However, there are a number of unresolved issues. This article describes the development of a logical ontology for nursing interventions and presents the results of evaluation.Methods - Initially this study involved the development in GRAIL of two separate experimental ontologies: an ontology based on the textual content of informal definitions for nursing interventions drawn from the Nursing Interventions Classification; and an ontology based on labels for the same nursing interventions. Following initial bench-testing, the ontology based on labels was selected for extension (to accommodate also nursing intervention components of the Home Health Care Classification System and the Omaha System), for further testing and for external evaluation.Results - A hierarchy of nursing interventions generated automatically from the experimental ontology based on informal definitions contained only 3 hierarchical relationships, compared to 214 for the initial ontology based on labels. For the final extended ontology based on labels, the generated hierarchy contained the three source terminology systems in entirety - there were a total of 2861 hierarchical relationships. While the results of comparative bench testing of the final ontology were favourable, the results of external evaluation were mixed and showed little agreement between reviewers. Conclusion This study suggests that while a logical ontology based on labels might be a useful tool for mediating between nursing intervention terminology systems, a formative consensus type development methodology might improve the approach by helping to harmonise ideological differences that may exist across the nursing profession

Formal nursing terminology systems: a means to an end

In response to the need to support diverse and complex information requirements, nursing has developed a number of different terminology systems. The two main kinds of systems that have emerged are enumerative systems and combinatorial systems, although some systems have characteristics of both approaches. Differences in the structure and content of terminology systems, while useful at a local level, prevent effective wider communication, information sharing, integration of record systems, and comparison of nursing elements of healthcare information at a more global level. Formal nursing terminology systems present an alternative approach. This paper describes a number of recent initiatives and explains how these emerging approaches may help to augment existing nursing terminology systems and overcome their limitations through mediation. The development of formal nursing terminology systems is not an end in itself and there remains a great deal of work to be done before success can be claimed. This paper presents an overview of the key issues outstanding and provides recommendations for a way forward

Construction of the Nursing Diagnosis Ontology in Obstetric and Gynecologic Nursing Unit using Nursing Process and SNOMED CT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to propose an ontology methodology based on standardized nursing process as framework in obstetric and gynecologic nursing practice. METHODS: The instrument used in this study was based on the nursing diagnosis classification established by North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) (2009-2011), fifth edition of the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) (2008), forth edition of the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) (2008) developed by Iowa State University and systematized nomenclature of medicine clinical terms (SNOMED CT). The nursing records data were collected from electronic medical records of one hospital from August to October 2010. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-one nursing diagnosis statements used in obstetric and gynecologic nursing unit were linked standardized nursing classifications and constructed nursing diagnosis ontology including interoperability. CONCLUSION: Not only will this result be helpful to complete nurse's lack of knowledge and experience, it will also help to determine nursing diagnosis logically by using standardized nursing process. It will be utilized as the method to construct ontology including interoperability in other nursing units. It will be presented nursing interventions according to nursing diagnosis and thus will be easier to establish nursing planning. This can provide immediate feedback of the nursing process application