Enterprise Ontology, does it care?

Abstract

The domains of healthcare and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are very different. In healthcare, human beings are in the center of attention. When considering the domain of ICT, computing and connectivity first come to mind. It is suggested that the first step in bridging the gap between the two domains is to focus on the essence of care processes, independent of their realization and implementation. In other words, independent of any technology that is required to make them operational. As part of this essence, communication and (social) commitment turn out to be indispensable. Both subjects are currently insufficiently paid attention to, as this thesis will reveal. In this report, three applications of the Dutch national Electronic Health Record are analyzed and redesigned from an Enterprise Ontology viewpoint. Enterprise Ontology is an emerging field in the information sciences and engineering disciplines that has its roots in communication philosophy. It provides the required theory and a matching methodology to pursue this goal of bridging the healthcare and ICT domains. Instead of adjusting ‘the business’ to each individual application of the Electronic Health Record, a single shared perspective on care processes is provided. It demonstrates that the activities of the various care professionals at their core generally do not differ. Furthermore, it secures the consistency and coherence of the application designs, while presenting all important and sensible aspects in a concise way. This approach is thought to be the only correct starting point to determine, design and implement supporting information systems for the healthcare sector or any enterprise in general.