Data Management Components
The MINDS framework provides basic components for creating and managing an internal database of patient data, which acts as a repository for data that is utilized by the various algorithmic components of applications that are built on the MINDS framework.
Data Component Hierarchy
The data component hierarchy provides an organized structure of data components that form the structure of a data record in the database. The structure was designed independently of any specific medical application so that it would serve as the basis for data representation that is applicable to many different clinical decision support tools. The structure of the data component hierarchy is fully documented in the MINDS 1.0 XML schema.
Risk Model Component Hierarchy
The risk model component hierarchy is one of multiple data model structures that are being developed in the MINDS framework. Most risk models are disease specific, and would normally be focused on specific applications. However, the structure hierarchy facilitates integration of different models within a single application.
Software architecture and frameworks play an integral role in the development of software applications and are essential for ensuring the maintainability and future development of capabilities and extensions to the software. They also help facilitate integration with other software systems, legacy products and new technologies. Significant progress has been made in the areas of medical information networks and electronic health records; however, there has not been much open development of software frameworks for decision support applications. MINDS seeks to provides such a framework.
The MINDS software framework is a modular, component-based application framework for creating medical decision support applications. The MINDS framework currently consists of the following software component modules:
- Data Management Components
- Data Component Hierarchy
- Risk Model Component Hierarchy
The MINDS framework is designed to facilitate the development of medical decision support applications. The framework provides an expanding set of application framework components that will allow applications to be easily developed for a desired platform.