Developing a virtual patient record using XML and web-based workflow technologies

Int J Med Inform. 2003 Jul;70(2-3):131-9. doi: 10.1016/s1386-5056(03)00039-x.

Abstract

Virtual patient records (VPR) provide a means for integrated access to patient information that may be scattered around different healthcare settings. Within the boundaries of a health district providing all levels of care, this concept can be implemented in a corporate Intranet environment to support longitudinal patient care activities across the participating healthcare providers. In this context, a VPR implementation enables autonomous healthcare providers to operate in a cooperative working environment and apply continuity of care. Workflow systems bring this collaboration and cooperation into effect by automatically routing the medical information needed by authorized actors in a healthcare process. This paper presents a VPR framework that allows integrating geographically dispersed medical information within a health district and enhancing collaboration and coordination of authorized workgroups by means of a web-based workflow system. An implementation of the proposed framework is also presented.

MeSH terms

  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Interprofessional Relations
  • Medical Records Systems, Computerized*
  • Programming Languages*