VHA Issue Paper: HL7 Methodology Discussion 11 January 2001 Government Projects SIG

11 January Context Setting n Issue paper based on our participation and observations n Forwarded to M&M and limited distribution 2-3 weeks ago n Not just a Government Projects issue –We want to hear your comments

11 January Objectives n Ensure that Veterans Health Administration can continue to reap maximum benefits from HL7 n Minimize risks that we see as HL7 3.x moves forward n Take stock and apply lessons learned from the Version 3 processes

11 January Issues n Methodological –Focus and abstraction level of the RIM –Role and ability to apply RIM to non- messaging technologies n Notational –Style guide practices –Meta-model constraints

11 January Observations n VHA is having a difficult time relating to the new RIM n Not all current HL7 practices are reflected in the MDF n Some style guide constraints result in counterintuitive representations n Modeling guidance has not kept current with industry –Profiles for UML –Role names –Constraint representation –Methods

11 January Recommendations n Form n Form a [sub-]committee to –make –make current HL7 methodologies –address –address lessons learned –incorporate –incorporate industry best practices –address –address UML revisions –extend –extend the methodology to support CDA and Templates activities

11 January Discussion...

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9 Motion... n I move that the Government Project SIG charges M&M with standing up a committee to refresh the MDF with respect to: –issues of the paper –current UML practices –incorporate Templates and CDA work