B.C. Document Ontology Value Set
Last updated on August 15, 2024The B.C. Document Ontology consists of a set of all Logical Observation Identifiers, Names and Codes (LOINC) and non LOINC document codes currently being distributed in B.C. throughout the health information exchange networks. The structure of the B.C. Document Ontology is based on the HL7 LOINC Document Ontology structure which is defined by Regenstrief Institute and the LOINC Committee. The document codes are built on an underlying framework and classification of the key attributes for naming clinical documents.
Implementing the B.C. Document Ontology provides a foundation for standardized searching, archiving, data mining and information exchange based upon clinical document types. This will provide immediate value to the end user for existing documents that have already been received and captured as well as future clinical documents that will be exchanged.
Scope
The audience for this value set are EMR vendors and developers of healthcare IT solutions. Health Authorities across B.C. and Canada are expanding the list of document types being exchanged and interoperability which is driving the need for a common Document Ontology to help classify and categorize this growing list.
The scope of this value set is two-fold. Firstly, it is to build an understanding of the various document codes, names, and attributes available in the B.C. Document Ontology. Secondly, this guide is intended to document integration techniques, use-cases, and best practices that an implementer can use to successfully integrate with the B.C. Document Hierarchy.
Governance
The B.C. Document Ontology Value Set is governed by the provincial Digital Health Strategy Office (DHSO).
Current Status
The updated version of the B.C. Document Ontology Value Set, and associated document materials are available for download. For any inquiries related to the published B.C. Document Ontology Value Set, please email the Health Information Standards team at HLTH.HISSupport@gov.bc.ca.
Maintenance
Significant analysis and review of documents and specifications were undertaken to make sure this Document Ontology standard would be applicable and implementable with the various stakeholder groups.
Wherever possible, content templates defined and reviewed by standards bodies were referenced, and appropriate constraints for British Columbia Healthcare was applied.
The content of the standard may require post-production edits, additions and/or maintenance to address issues identified by technical validation. Additional adjustments may be required over time to reflect requirements in B.C. or to align with emerging pan-Canadian Infoway standards.