Development of a template for classification of documented Traditional Korean Medical Knowledge

Purpose: Growing commercial and scientific interest in Traditional Medicine systems has led to calls for Traditional Medicine Knowledge (TMK) to be better recognized, respected, preserved and protected. Documentation is a good tool for protection of Traditional Korean Medical Knowledge (TKMK). However, there is no widely accepted template specialized to the attributes of TMK and the classification of the Attributes of TKMK. We aimed conducted to develop a template for classification of documented TKMK. Methods:Wedeveloped a template for classification of documented TKMK. The first version was developed and applied to documented TKMK data. Revision of the template were made based on the results of applying the first version of the template and input from experts. Results: We identified attributes of TKMK, and developed a template for classification of documented TKMK for making knowledge easily accessible to academic researcher and providing legal protection for Traditional Knowledge. Attributes of the template includes summary, tool/ingredient, indication/preparation/application, and international standard classification. Conclusion: We have demonstrated an effective way for classification of documented TKMK by developing a template. The template has 3 significant meaning as follows. First, this template is specialized to medicinal knowledge, summary in the template should involve the main elements of TKMK, which are ingredients, indications, and application. Second, we apply International Patent Classification, Korean Standard Classification of Diseases, and Classification of Korean Traditional Knowledge Resources for providing legal protection of TKMK and facilitating academic research. Lastly, wemade primary classification term on preparation, in order to provide TKMK information in ausable form, andboost interoperability. It is suggested that the template for classification of documented TKMK could take important roles in the preservation of TKMK and protection of intellectual property. Contact: Sungha Kim, bozzol@kiom.re.kr