Context-Sensitive Reference Information

Provision of Context-Sensitive Reference Information to a Clinician through an EHR System

(Scenario originally described in HL7 Decision Support Service (DSS) Service Functional Model (SFM) Version 1.0)

Scenario Details:  The next morning, David’s first patient is new and has Camurati-Engelmann Disease, a condition he knows virtually nothing about. Fortunately, his EMR system uses a knowledge module hosted by a remote DSS C to provide context-sensitive information retrieval. This module requires a client to specify search criteria, the desired language, and whether it is authorized to request additional data that might improve the quality of the search result. For example, DDS C might request a search subtopic (e.g., diagnosis, treatment), and the patient’s age, gender, reading level, and the role of the end-user (e.g., clinician). Needing more information, David clicks on the context-sensitive information retrieval information link next to Camurati-Engelmann Disease, and the local EHR system collects the minimal set of data required by the DSS C. DSS C then notifies the EHR system that the quality of the search for relevant information resources could be improved if the search context could be provided.  When prompted, David selects disease definition as the context of the information need. DSS C then returns URL links to relevant information resources, including a “Overview and Definition” section for Camurati-Engelmann Disease in an online medical textbook.

Actors: Physician (David), Patient

Requirements: