MedfoLink: bridging the gap between IT and the medical community

Abstract

MedfoLink is a new software technology that applies novel design features to help solve issues regarding medical records processing that are part of the national agenda. This software overcomes the vocabulary and performance limitations of existing medical language processing technologies by employing high speed databases, Java, and the UMLS (unified medical language source). MedfoLink is a Java technology that enables a computer to accurately record and interpret data from patient records. MedfoLink's design incorporates two novel approaches: (a) intelligent algorithms that with practice improve comprehension of medical records and (b) the ALI (adaptive learning interface) architecture that enhances performance by integrating existing technologies with an object-oriented approach. Future applications of MedfoLink range from individual patient care, to clinical drug trials, to public health monitoring.