A cooperative model for integration in a cardiology outpatient clinic.

Abstract With the increasing amount of digitally stored patient information, such as images and findings, the possibility and need arise for a system which is able to both store and display this information in a structured, user-friendly way. In the common situation where different information systems are used within one department, this means that the various information systems have to be integrated. However, integration requires more complex management of data, processes and windows. This management can be handled by a Workspace Manager, which controls inter-application tasks, and interaction with the user. Furthermore, this Workspace Manager supports the user with the definition of complex tasks such as collecting problem-related patient information from the various remote systems. In an outpatient clinic for cardiology this architecture is used to achieve cooperative integration of an open Computer Patient Record with a range of information-specific services.