SOMWeb: A Semantic Web-Based System for Supporting Collaboration of Distributed Medical Communities of Practice
Author Information
Author(s): Göran Falkman, Marie Gustafsson, Mats Jontell, Olof Torgersson
Primary Institution: University of Gothenburg / Chalmers University of Technology
Hypothesis
How can Semantic Web technologies improve communication and collaboration among distributed health care professionals in oral medicine?
Conclusion
SOMWeb has improved the structure of meetings and discussions, leading to a tenfold increase in participant numbers.
Supporting Evidence
- By May 2008, there were 90 registered users of SOMWeb and 93 cases added.
- The introduction of SOMWeb has improved the structure of meetings and discussions.
- Users submit cases to seek advice on diagnosis or treatment, to show unusual cases, or to create discussion.
- Identified barriers to submitting cases include lack of time and concerns about case interest.
Takeaway
SOMWeb is a tool that helps doctors share and discuss patient cases online, making it easier for them to learn from each other.
Methodology
A mixed-method approach including interviews, observations, and a questionnaire was used to study work practices and evaluate the system.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the developer conducting observations and interviews.
Limitations
Barriers to case submission included lack of time and concerns about the interest level of cases.
Participant Demographics
Participants included dentists, oral pathologists, and specialists in oral medicine from various clinics across Sweden.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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