SNOMED CT is a best-in-class, core clinical reference terminology that is well-designed, comprehensive, serves multiple uses, is widely adopted, and enables improved patient outcomes
Question
A core clinical reference terminology
Several names are given to systems of standardized terms or concepts, such as SNOMED CT. It can be referred to as a terminology, a vocabulary, or a lexicon. These names are all synonymous.
The semantic network features of SNOMED CT are the same as what exists in ontologies. SNOMED CT is a terminology built on an ontological foundation (i.e. it looks and acts like an ontology).
Ideally, controlled terminologies (vocabularies) should have twelve features, as outlined in the seminal article by Dr. James Cimino. SNOMED CT does in fact adhere to all the twelve features, some of which allow it to be differentiated from other classification systems. As a terminology, SNOMED CT is fit-for-purpose.
The European-wide ASSESS CT project, integrated a broad range of stakeholders, and investigated the fitness of the international clinical terminology SNOMED CT as a potential standard for EU-wide eHealth deployments. Assess CT deemed SNOMED CT the best available core reference terminology for cross-border, national and regional eHealth deployments in Europe.
Answer
5 things that make SNOMED CT unique
National Mandates
SNOMED CT is mandated for use in many countries, most notably:
-
U.S.A. with Meaningful Use
-
U.K.’s NHS policy that all GP systems will use SNOMED CT
-
Australia mandating SNOMED CT as the preferred national solution for a clinical terminology as endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council.
The value of SNOMED CT for stakeholders
Where is SNOMED CT used?
SNOMED CT-embedded Clinical Information Systems, Health Data & Analytics Platforms, and/or Interoperability Solutions are used in the following ways
Research
Conducting clinical research, laboratory research and scientific research.
Data Entry and Integration
The recording & integration of SNOMED CT in clinical information systems and health data & analytics platforms.
Clinical Information Sharing
The electronic exchange of clinical data and documents among Care Providers along the continuum of care, often using interoperability
solutions.
Research
Creating historical summaries, doing point-of-care reporting and using clinical decision support.
Population Analytics
Conducting trend & comparative analysis, pharmacovigilence and clinical audit.
Management Analytics
Conducting trend & comparative analysis and health system value analysis.
SNOMED CT Case Studies
A Demonstrated Case for Investment: Real World Use