1. Applying the RIM/VMR to Elimination of the “{ }” Robert A. Jenders, MD, MS 14 January 2003

2. Goal Eliminate { } by standardizing database references Elements of standard –query language –data model –vocabularies Writing MLMs with standard db references –Write queries (without {}) against a standard data model, using a standard query language and vocab –Institution maintains mappings from standard to local db relations and vocabulary –Automated translation from standard db references to local ones using mappings

3. V2.5 “Intermediate Approach” Keep curly braces Introduce objects with dot notation (object.attribute) but no methods Require arguments to current operators to be one of the current data types (even if an attribute of an object)

4. Encoding Standardized DB References General model: select from where ; Advantage: Each attribute is a current Arden datatype. No alteration of operators is required. Assumes SQL as the standard query language

5. Encoding Standardized DB References Alternative (in keeping with “intermediate” v2.5 approach: Use dot notation in queries General form: select where ; Alternative: Derive entire objects (as groups of related attributes): select where

6. Encoding Standardized DB References Alternative: Eliminate curly braces entirely by eliminating “select” keyword and just using the “read” statement –Not consistent with v2.5 approach endorsed at last meeting Example: mrn := read id from person;

7. Relevant RIM / VMR Classes entity: name, id, class code living subject: administrativeGenderCode, birthTime person: addr Examples mrn := read last {select id from person}; patient_name := read {select name from person};

8. Relevant RIM / VMR Classes RIM observation: value, interpretationCode act: code, classCode (“OBS”), moodCode (“EVN”) Example basophil_ratio := read {select value from observation where code = ‘11106-4’^’LOINC’ and classCode = ‘OBS’ and moodCode = ‘EVN’}; Note: Interpretation of “value” depends on data type, e.g., PQ = Physical Quantity = number + units.

9. Relevant RIM / VMR Classes VMR A_Observation: cd, value, status_cd Example basophil_ratio := read {select value from A_Observation where cd = ‘11106-4’^’LOINC’};

10. Beyond Queries: Defining Events Use same syntax as stating vocabulary references within queries Example outpatient_visit := event {'9252'^'SNOMED-CT'};

11. Issues Keep { } with “select …” or eliminate { } with “read …”? What object to use in a query? –Possible rule: Use the class that has or inherits the fewest attributes needed for a query and that is closest to a leaf node. How to refer to standard vocabularies? –Possible rule: ‘ ’^’ ’^’ ’ VMR vs RIM? Include ability to retrieve entire objects or just object.attribute? V2.5 or V3?

12. Next Steps? Encode additional examples (PSM translation trial) Others?