The role of compositionality in standardized problem list generation

Stud Health Technol Inform. 1998:52 Pt 1:660-4.

Abstract

Compositionality is the ability of a Vocabulary System to record non-atomic strings. In this manuscript we define the types of composition, which can occur. We will then propose methods for both server based and client-based composition. We will differentiate the terms Pre-Coordination, Post-Coordination, and User-Directed Coordination. A simple grammar for the recording of terms with concept level identification will be presented, with examples from the Unified Medical Language System's (UMLS) Metathesaurus. We present an implementation of a Window's NT based client application and a remote Internet Based Vocabulary Server, which makes use of this method of compositionality. Finally we will suggest a research agenda which we believe is necessary to move forward toward a more complete understanding of compositionality. This work has the promise of paving the way toward a robust and complete Problem List Entry Tool.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Information Storage and Retrieval
  • Medical Records Systems, Computerized* / organization & administration
  • Medical Records, Problem-Oriented
  • Natural Language Processing*
  • Programming Languages
  • User-Computer Interface
  • Vocabulary, Controlled*