A macro-directive mechanism that facilitates automatic updating and processing of the contents of Electronic Healthcare Records: an extension to the CEN architecture

Abstract

Facilitating data entry, eliminating redundant effort and providing decision support are some of the factors upon which the successful uptake of Electronic Healthcare Record (EHCR) technology is dependent. The European Standardization Committee (CEN), on the other hand, has proposed a standard EHCR architecture, which allows patient record contents to be highly diverse, customized to individual user needs; this makes their processing a challenging task and poses a demand for specially designed mechanisms. We describe the requirements for a macro-directive mechanism, pertaining to CEN-compatible EHCR software that can automate updating and processing of patient records, thus enhancing the functionality of the software. We have implemented the above-mentioned mechanism in an EHCR application that has been customized for use in the care process of patients suffering from beta-Thalassemia. The application is being used during the last two years in the Thalassemia units of four Greek hospitals, as part of their every day practice. We report on the experience we have acquired so far.

• Computerized Medical Record
• Automatic Data Processing
• Clinical Decision Support Systems
• Beta-thalassemia