UMLS-based access to CPR data

This paper describes the results of a project that explores the use the Uni fied Medical Language System (UMLS) for knowledge-driven tasks, such as bro wsing a computer-based patient record (CPR). The project consisted of a num ber of steps: the mapping between CPR terms and UMLS concepts, the developm ent of an algorithm that explores the CPR data using this mapping and the i mplementation of a first prototype browser that visualizes 'found' data. A second task addressed in this project has been the direct access to online medical literature (MEDLINE) using the UMLS concepts found in the CPR data. In this project, we used a preliminary version of the Open Records for Pat ient Care (ORCA) CPR that consisted only of the history and physical examin ation data of patient suffering from heart failure. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scien ce Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.