Data Analysis and Information Modelling: Objects Codes, Concepts

• Published in: Radiation protection dosimetry 1995-01, Vol.57 (1-4), p.175-184
• Main Author: Pretschner (INVITED), D.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0144-8420; 1742-3406
• DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a082520

Acceptance, performance and usefulness of knowledge-based systems for quality control and radiation protection in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine depend on the technical competence of its developers and the medical, juridical and/or administrative relevance for its users. In promoting the efficient application of communication and information technologies the two groups of experts (developers, users) distinguished by overlapping domains of knowledge, objectives, subject fields and different concept, term and code systems have to be harmonised. On conceptual and methodological levels various strategies are discussed: conventional and classification systems (Read Codes, ICD-9, SNOMED etc.), object-oriented analysis and design (e.g. NHS: CBS, CCPM), and standardised terminologies for international vocabularies, nomenclatures, encyclopaedias and thesauri according to ISO, CEN/TC 251, UMLS, AIM. Conceptual modelling using new terminological representation languages based on formal logic and semantics is proposed for the development of an open, unified concept and code system for the liberation of concepts from inadequate codes. It is assumed that work on well-formed terminologies promises more consistent and superior representation of expert knowledge for European information interchange, computer processing and quality assurance than (sometimes necessary) 'separatistic' and 'particularistic' solution islands.