Ontological Engineering in Clinical Settings

Healthcare decision support systems have begun to use ontological engineering to aid in the practice of optimal patient care. The function of ontological engineering is involves “data integration, which fosters a better understanding of patient needs, thus resulting in better patient care and excellent patient outcomes” [1]. Through ontological engineering, the data is filtered from various information systems throughout the organization so that the important aspects of one patient/case study can be seen quickly. The time wasted with digging through irrelevant information is eliminated. When this software is used, medical professionals can achieve faster, more efficient results. Ontological engineering is a useful decision support system tool in its ability to store data on cures or solutions to diseases that medical professionals have dealt with in the past. If a doctor needs to investigate a particular condition on one patient, he/she can use ontological engineering to receive immediate guidance when solutions of similar conditions are revealed [1]. While every patient has different circumstances, the doctor can save time and money through less research that has already been done. In that sense, hospitals can work together efficiently since their ideas, solutions, and cases are shared throughout the organization. Medical professionals can learn from one another and improve their skills and quality of patient care in a short, easy method. Another usage of ontological engineering can be helpful when a doctor needs to sort through endless pages of a patient’s medical history [1]. Instead, ontological engineering can simply extract the information needed in the situation at hand. The software sorts can filter information from all the systems throughout the entire organization, from applications, databases, and all other forms of record keeping [2]. Productivity in medical centers has improved immensely through the usage of ontological engineering. Perhaps a form of ontological engineering can be used/is used in other types of organizations besides healthcare. Retail and financial organizations could use this product to filter information regarding particular products and make crucial economic choices [3]. Past diagnostics and solutions can be shown and time can be saved for all kinds of workers. Beginners in their fields can learn from experienced professionals if they ever are unsure about their choices, without having to make phone calls or interrupt their task. The help is immediately available through ontological engineering. The efficient use of ontological engineering can save money, time, and lives. The benefits of this system are likely to cause the system to be enhanced and become more prevalent in businesses. [1] http://ezinearticles.com/?Healthcare-Decision-Support-Systems&id=4871564 [2] http://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/5563523 [3] http://ontologyengineering.org/content/about