A component-based, distributed object services architecture for a clinical workstation

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Health Informatics
• Software Engineering

Background:

• Clinical applications often struggle with software reusability, hindering integration of legacy and new systems.
• Developing flexible and adaptable architectural frameworks is crucial for modern healthcare IT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel architectural framework for clinical workstation applications.
• To demonstrate the reusability of a distributed object-oriented services middle tier.

Main Methods:

• Developed a clinical workstation architecture centered on a middle tier of distributed object-oriented services.
• Defined core services including vocabulary, patient index, documents, charting, security, and encounter management.
• Implemented services using CORBA and OLE, accessed by adaptable user interface components.

Main Results:

• The architecture facilitated the creation of flexible user interface and database tiers.
• Core services were successfully reused across multiple applications, including web browser interfaces.
• Demonstrated enhanced reusability of both new and legacy software components.

Conclusions:

• A distributed object-oriented services architecture promotes significant software reusability in clinical applications.
• This framework offers flexibility for diverse user interfaces and database integrations.
• The architecture supports the development of adaptable and maintainable healthcare software systems.