by Erdal, Selnur; Catalyurek, Umit V.; Payne, Philip R. O.; Saltz, Joel; Kamal, Jyoti; Gurcan, Metin N.

Clinical data that may be used in a secondary capacity to support research activities are regularly stored in three significantly different formats: (1) structured, codified data elements; (2) semi-structured or unstructured narrative text; and (3) multi-modal images. In this manuscript, we will describe the design of a computational system that is intended to support the ontology-anchored query and integration of such data types from multiple source systems. Additional features of the described system include (1) the use of Grid services-based electronic data interchange models to enable the use of our system in multi-site settings and (2) the use of a software framework intended to address both potential security and patient confidentiality concerns that arise when transmitting or otherwise manipulating potentially privileged personal health information. We will frame our discussion within the specific experimental context of the concept-oriented query and integration of correlated structured data, narrative text, and images for cancer research.

DOI: 10.1007/s10278-007-9086-8
Online Date: 11/27/2007
Print publication date: 4/1/2009
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by Devolder, P.; Pynoo, B.; Voet, T.; Adang, L.; Vercruysse, J.; Duyck, P.

This article outlines the strategy used by our hospital to maximize the knowledge transfer to referring physicians on using a picture archiving and communication system (PACS). We developed an e-learning platform underpinned by the cognitive load theory (CLT) so that in depth knowledge of PACS’ abilities becomes attainable regardless of the user’s prior experience with computers. The application of the techniques proposed by CLT optimizes the learning of the new actions necessary to obtain and manipulate radiological images. The application of cognitive load reducing techniques is explained with several examples. We discuss the need to safeguard the physicians’ main mental processes to keep the patient’s interests in focus. A holistic adoption of CLT techniques both in teaching and in configuration of information systems could be adopted to attain this goal. An overview of the advantages of this instruction method is given both on the individual and organizational level.

DOI: 10.1007/s10278-007-9089-5
Online Date: 11/13/2007
Print publication date: 2/1/2009
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