Exploring a model-driven architecture (MDA) approach to health care information systems development

Abstract 

Objective

To explore the potential of the model-driven architecture (MDA) in health care information systems development.

Methods

An MDA is conceptualized and developed for a health clinic system to track patient information. A prototype of the MDA is implemented using an advanced MDA tool. The UML provides the underlying modeling support in the form of the class diagram. The PIM to PSM transformation rules are applied to generate the prototype application from the model.

Results

The result of the research is a complete MDA methodology to developing health care information systems. Additional insights gained include development of transformation rules and documentation of the challenges in the application of MDA to health care. Design guidelines for future MDA applications are described. The model has the potential for generalizability. The overall approach supports limited interoperability and portability.

Conclusion

The research demonstrates the applicability of the MDA approach to health care information systems development. When properly implemented, it has the potential to overcome the challenges of platform (vendor) dependency, lack of open standards, interoperability, portability, scalability, and the high cost of implementation.

Keywords: Health care information system, Model-driven architecture, Platform-independent model, Platform-specific model, Open standard, Interoperability, Vendor lock-in