London, United Kingdom, Sept. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Cyprus Ministry of Health and SNOMED International jointly announce the addition of Cyprus as the organization’s thirty-fourth Member.
With a developing e-health program across the country’s hospital and health center landscape, Cyprus joins SNOMED International to bring structure and consistency in the sharing of health information for patient care, clinical decision support and research purposes. Within the European region, the promise of cross-border care mobility is believed to be the single most important revolution in healthcare. Preserving the sanctity of patient information through structured data becomes critical to this vision.
SNOMED CT is the world’s most comprehensive and precise health terminology. Founded in 2007 by nine charter nations, SNOMED International is a not-for-profit, member-owned and driven international organization. “SNOMED CT is a core element in building a platform for accurate clinical information exchange and data analysis and SNOMED International applauds Cyprus’s commitment to this vision” states SNOMED International’s CEO, Don Sweete. “With the increasing need to support cross-border health, SNOMED CT is positioned as the best available core reference terminology for cross-border, national and regional eHealth deployments in Europe.”
In recent years, Cyprus is dynamically entering the eHealth era. Codification is an essential part of this journey as health information should be captured, monitored, analyzed and disseminated among health professionals, health policy makers, and the public. Taking part in the European ‘eHealth Network’ project to establish cross border health care, of which the dominant terminology used is SNOMED CT, further supports the need for codification. Through this project, Cyprus has seen this as an opportunity to expand our codification horizons. For this reason, we joined SNOMED CT as a member country, in order to be able to promote health information coding, in a unifying way, among different local health software. The aim of which is to better guide our understanding and comparability of existing health information data.
Vasos Scoutellas, Coordinator of the Health Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Health recognizes the value of membership in SNOMED International for Cyprus. “At the Health Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Health of Cyprus, myself, as the coordinator, and my colleagues, fully endorse the promotion, adoption and deployment of SNOMED CT in the health system of Cyprus. With its use, as a country, we will have a uniform way of documenting health issues. This will help us to have better and comparable statistics within the country.”
Cyprus becomes the 21st Member in the European, Middle East and African region to join SNOMED International, setting the expectation for increased interoperability as well as the promise of leveraging learnings amongst its regional and international counterparts. SNOMED CT becomes part of the Cyprus national infrastructure to ensure the exchange of accurate, relevant and timely information across all the information systems to support direct care, self-care and secondary uses of health information.
About SNOMED International:
SNOMED International is a not-for-profit organization that owns and develops SNOMED CT, the world's most comprehensive healthcare terminology product. We play an essential role in improving the health of humankind by determining standards for a codified language that represents groups of clinical terms. This enables healthcare information to be exchanged globally for the benefit of patients and other stakeholders. We are committed to the rigorous evolution of our products and services, to deliver continuous innovation for the global healthcare community. SNOMED International is the trading name of the International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation.
To learn more about SNOMED International and SNOMED CT, visit www.snomed.org.
About the Cyprus Ministry of Health
The mission of the Ministry of Health is the continuous improvement of the health of the population of Cyprus, through the prevention of disease, and the provision to every citizen of high level health care, respecting the rights of every patient to high quality medical care delivered with dignity. Health information technology exists in two public hospitals (out of seven) and in in few health centers. Over the subsequent five years, Cyprus will implement a new health information system across all public hospitals and health centers.
The Health Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Health is responsible with providing its society with necessary and useful information, as well as high quality knowledge of public health issues. We have developed and maintained national registries on births, deaths, cancer, HIV/AIDS and public hospital discharge summaries. In addition, we are responsible for the implementation of health information codification in Cyprus. In this context, we will promote and support the adoption and deployment of SNOMED CT among all health professionals.
Visit the Ministry of Health of Cyprus, Health Monitoring Unit to learn more.
Read the press release on Global Newswire.
London, United Kingdom, Aug. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SNOMED International and Electronic Health Solutions are pleased to announce that Jordan has recently joined the organization as its thirty-fifth Member.
Electronic Health Solutions (EHS), Jordan’s representative to SNOMED International, is a nonprofit company mandated to advance the public healthcare sector and transform health care through the provision of automated solutions that enhance the quality and efficiency. Through its flagship program “Hakeem” which was launched in 2009 upon a profound vision of his Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein, EHS is responsible for the implementation of a nationwide Electronic Health Record solution for the Ministry of Health and Royal Medical Services as well as King Hussein Cancer Center and the National’s Women’s Health Care Center.
With membership in SNOMED International, EHS has committed nationwide support for structured clinical terminology in support of Jordan’s strategic health goals. The scope of Jordan’s 2018-2022 e-Health strategy includes unifying protocols, medical procedures and terminologies within all healthcare bodies in the Kingdom, presenting a clear role for SNOMED CT as a reference terminology.
SNOMED CT is the world’s most comprehensive health terminology. Founded in 2007 by nine charter nations, SNOMED International is a not-for-profit, member-owned and driven international organization. The addition of Jordan has grown the organization’s Membership to thirty-five countries and territories across five continents. SNOMED International CEO, Don Sweete, is excited to welcome Jordan to the community of the organization’s Members. With Jordan’s Membership to SNOMED International, EHS has crossed the threshold enabling Jordan to leverage SNOMED CT for the nationwide benefit of their healthcare system.” He adds, “I applaud his Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein for his vision for healthcare within Jordan, and welcome Jordan to our thriving and collaborative Community of Practice.”
EHS CEO, Eng. Feras Kamal stressed on the vital role played by the company in unifying medical terminology between all healthcare entities throughout Jordan as this will be of great value in big data analytics.
Kamal, also points out the importance of this collaboration as it is the first step in placing Jordan as a recognized reference for medical terminology in the Arab World.
Jordan becomes the second country in the Middle East region to join SNOMED International, laying the groundwork for increased interoperability as well as the promise of leveraging learnings amongst its regional and international counterparts.
To learn more about SNOMED International and SNOMED CT, visit www.snomed.org.
To learn more about Electronic Health Solutions visit https://ehs.com.jo.
About SNOMED International:
SNOMED International is a not-for-profit organization that owns and develops SNOMED CT, the world's most comprehensive healthcare terminology product. We play an essential role in improving the health of humankind by determining standards for a codified language that represents groups of clinical terms. This enables healthcare information to be exchanged globally for the benefit of patients and other stakeholders. We are committed to the rigorous evolution of our products and services, to deliver continuous innovation for the global healthcare community. SNOMED International is the trading name of the International Health Terminology Standards Development Organization (IHTSDO.)
About Electronic Health Solutions:
Electronic Health Solutions (EHS) was founded in early 2009 to advance the healthcare sector in Jordan. EHS is an innovative technology-driven, private, non-profit company that effectively provides automated solutions to enhance the quality and efficiency of Jordanian public healthcare services.
In collaboration with strategic healthcare and technology partners, EHS is driving the future of electronic health in Jordan. These key stakeholders (owners) include the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MoICT), Royal Medical Services (RMS), King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF), Royal Health Awareness Society, Private Hospitals Association and King Abdulla II Fund for Development.
EHS exclusively oversees three key initiatives that utilize technology to advance the quality of healthcare services in Jordan’s public health sector. The programs operated by EHS comprise Hakeem program, the Electronic Library of Medicine-Jordan (ELM) and Hakeem Academy.
The SNOMED CT Editorial Guide has undergone extensive revision and the newly revamped version has been published in line with the July 2018 SNOMED CT International Edition release. The updated Editorial Guide is available through the SNOMED International Document Library.
Given the dynamic nature of SNOMED CT, the guide has been updated biannually in line with the release cycle since the inception of SNOMED CT in 2007. The resulting volume of guidance, new and existing, required review to identify and remove in some cases, outdated guidance, and in others, repetitive or redundant information.
In September 2017, a project began with the aim of streamlining the guidance content thereby rendering the document more useful and easier to navigate. Resulting from this process, content has been rearranged in three sections; Background Information, Authoring, and Style Guide, resulting in fewer pages, less repetition and a document that is easier to navigate.
Throughout the revamp project, the SNOMED International Content Team reviewed the changes in stages, section by section to ensure persistence of pertinent information, as well as for comprehension, accuracy, continuity and relevance of the guidelines.
In terms of review, both the Content Managers Advisory Group and the Editorial Advisory Group were engaged to provide additional external review throughout this process and resulting feedback was incorporated as appropriate to further improve the document.
For additional information, please contact info@snomed.org
Register today and save for the SNOMED CT Expo 2018 in Vancouver, BC, Oct 18-19.
Read up on all the details you need to know here as they relate to our speakers, sponsors, program and social events.
Rates close August 8, 2018.
Contact events@snomed.org with any questions.
The SNOMED CT Expo’s James Read Memorial Lecture is a keynote feature of the Expo event and embodies the practical application of SNOMED CT in real world settings.
SNOMED International is pleased to announce Christian Reich, MD, PhD as the 2018 SNOMED CT Expo James Read Memorial Lecturer.
Representing the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI), Christian Reich will share with our audience the insights and experiences leveraging SNOMED CT to support OHDSI’s mission of improving health by empowering a community to collaboratively generate the evidence that promotes better health decisions and better care.
As part of the lecture, Christian will share information on the global OHDSI network with our community of practice, including their path forward and evidence generation from a global large scale observational data network supported by the depth of SNOMED CT use as their reference terminology for conditions.
Don’t let this opportunity pass to learn from and engage with this year’s James Read Memorial Lecturer.
Register today at www.snomedexpo.org. Review the program, and take advantage of competitive accommodation rates and airfare savings to Vancouver, BC.
Calling all Attendees
Vancouver is a highly sought-after tourist and business destination and we encourage you to reserve your room early to avoid disappointment. SNOMED International has obtained special delegate rates (Deluxe Room: $249 CAD / Deluxe Harbour Room: $289 CAD) at the Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver (the Expo venue). The Pan Pacific Vancouver boasts an incredible harborfront location and easy access to the airport via the Skytrain.
Rates for our event dates are guaranteed until September 21, 2018. Rates for shoulder dates before and post-event are on an availability basis.
- Register for the Business Meeting & Expo at http://www.snomedexpo.org/register-now.
- Book your accommodations at the Pan Pacific Vancouver by clicking here.
Expo & Business Meeting Programs Available
- The abstracts are in and the program has been set. Review the diverse conference program to plan your 2018 SNOMED CT Expo experience.
- The schedule for the accompanying October 2018 Business Meeting is also available to assist with your conference planning.
Discounted Airfare
Air Canada is the official airline of SNOMED CT Expo 2018 and our delegates will enjoy discounts of 5-12% off their airfare. Your discount code and booking instructions will be provided in your registration confirmation.
Sponsors & Exhibitors
We are pleased to announce our excellent contingent of industry supporters for this year’s SNOMED CT Expo 2018 and extend our thanks for their support:
- American Medical Association
- Clinical Architecture/Apelon
- Gevity
- Goldblatt
- IMO
- Orion
- Phast
- TermMed
- West Coast Informatics
Visit www.snomedexpo.org for more information on our 2018 Supporters, Exhibitors and Sponsors.
Questions? Visit www.snomedexpo.org or email events@snomed.org.
The Q2 2018 Edition of SNOMED International's quarterly newsletter, The Concept, is now available.
This quarter's lineup includes a number of newsworthy organization and Member updates including:
- 2018 SNOMED CT Expo & Business Meeting Schedules, Programs, Registration and Accommodation Information - Don't Delay, Book Today!
- Call to Action: Dentistry Clinical Reference Group
- Quality Initiative Underway
- Genomics Update
- 2017 Annual Report Available
- Extensions Practical Guide Available
- Recent activities in Ireland, Czech Republic and Switzerland
- and More!
Read the issue to get caught up on all the recent months updates.
Contact comms@snomed.org for additional information.
We welcome your submissions for next quarter's edition of The Concept.
Article submission required by Friday September 21st, 2018.
The Call for AG Nominations has been extended to Friday June 22nd.
At this time, SNOMED International is seeking volunteers to serve on the following Advisory Groups:
- E-Learning (ELAG)
- Modelling (MAG)
Read the original Call for Nominations for supporting information and to download the application form. Please contact ag@snomed.org with any questions regarding this process.
SNOMED International has a number of voluntary Advisory Groups designed to provide expert advice on the development and implementation of its products and services. See http://www.snomed.org/participate/join-an-advisory-group/ for information on each of the groups. At this time, SNOMED International is seeking volunteers to serve on the following Advisory Groups:
- E-Learning (ELAG)
- Modelling (MAG)
Changes to the 2018 Nomination Process moving forward include:
- Initiation of the nomination process earlier in the year to accommodate travel planning for advisory group members to SNOMED International events, and
- Not requiring a formal application for advisory group members who qualify for renewal of their term, but instead a notification to their chair of the wish to be renewed.
How do I apply for a position on a SNOMED International Advisory Group?
Selection Process
Anyone can apply. The deadline for submitting a nomination is Friday, 15 June 2018. Once applications are reviewed, applicants not accepted will be notified immediately and final approvals will be reviewed and accepted by the AG Steering Group. All candidates will be notified by email by the end of June 2018.
Application Checklist
Applicants, please make sure you include the following items in your email submission to ag@snomed.org:
- Completed Nomination Form, including your declaration of interest and self-assessment of relevant skills per the applicable skills matrix (see attached document)
- Your CV (resume)
Please contact ag@snomed.org with questions, or for additional information on the Advisory Group nomination process.
The Consultant Terminologist Program has been undergoing a review for the past year, with both internal and external input. As part of that review, there have been many contributions to both identifying where changes could be made and also the benefits found from participating. To those that contributed, we want to thank you for your input!
We have concluded our evaluation and can now advise that the Consultant Terminologist Program will no longer be offered in the same format. Students who are currently enrolled will be able to complete the program and become certified. However, SNOMED International will not be accepting new students into the program. For prior participants needing to re-certify in 2018, the period of certification will extend for 12 months.
SNOMED International’s redesign of the terminologist education program will include the following elements:
Recertification will continue to be available for those currently certified. However in 2019 a new recertification process will be rolled out. While the full details have not been finalized, we will ensure that the Consultant Community of Practice is advised of the new process with sufficient time to meet the requirements.
As part of these changes, SNOMED International's terminologist education will reside entirely with the Education and Product Support team and will transition out of other areas such as Content and Mapping.
The Content Development Theory Course and the Consultant Terminologist Program will be redesigned into a streamlined, multi-level terminology authoring program. This program will start with a Level 1 Terminology Authoring Course, which will combine content development theory with a 'hands-on' authoring component using a training version of our terminology authoring platform. The Level 1 pilot is due to commence in September 2018.
Building on this, an advanced Level 2 Terminology Authoring Course will be piloted in late 2019. This online course will also include a hands-on component. We anticipate that this course will supersede the current Consultant Program. Further details of this course will be made available at a later date.
As part of the new European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which comes into force on 25th May 2018, SNOMED International has updated its Privacy Policy. Our updated policy will provide more transparency on how we collect and use your personal data. This policy will also explain how to exercise your rights around the use of your personal information.
In some cases, we will need to obtain your explicit consent under GDPR to process your information or send you emails. In these cases we will either contact you directly or you will be asked for your consent when you next access the service. You have the right at any time to change your consent or have your details removed from our systems where applicable.
Access our Updated Privacy Policy
As a result of the Privacy Impact Assessments we have undertaken, we are required to make some changes which may alter the way you interact with the following Services:
Confluence:
- As part of the Explicit Consent rule, we will be removing all Confluence users from automatic email notifications. You will need to actively “Opt-In” to be able to receive email notifications from Confluence by “watching” specific groups or pages. Information on how to do this can be found here - http://snomed.org/howto-opt-in.
Cvent - Conference Management Service:
- Where applicable, re-consent will be requested from attendees at the point of event registration and at the next SNOMED International Business Meeting and SNOMED CT Expo during sign in. Emails sent from this service will have unsubscribe links to allow recipients to change and update their preferences.
Mailchimp - Mailing List Management Service:
- SNOMED International will issue a communication to any current mailing lists requesting explicit consent to contact you for the purposes of promoting SNOMED International, the SNOMED Community, along with updates specific to SNOMED International events. Emails sent from this service already have unsubscribe links to allow recipients to change and update their preferences.
Full details on how SNOMED International has prepared for GDPR can be found in our Compliance Statement, http://snomed.org/gdpr-compliance.
If you have any questions or queries please contact our Data Protection Team at privacy@snomed.org
The time has come for the SNOMED International community of practice to submit nominations to support this year's SNOMED International awards process.
SNOMED International acknowledges individual contributions to the organization and community through 2 awards:
- The Award for Excellence (given annually), and
- The Lifetime Achievement Award (awarded periodically)
In 2017, the Award for Excellence was awarded to both Bruce Goldberg and Betsy Humphreys, with Betsy also receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Your Challenge?
- Think about someone who is worthy; Someone deserving; and Someone who should be honoured at the SNOMED International Gala dinner in Vancouver this October 17th.
- Note: An employee of SNOMED International is eligible to nominate someone so long as he or she finds someone from the Community of Practice to serve as a co-nominator.
The deadline has been extended to submit nominations to: July 16, 2018.
Submit your nominations to info@snomed.org.
It is through your thoughtful consideration and retrospection that we are able to honour the thought leaders in our community.
The recap of the 2018 April Business Meeting is now available.
- Dr. Afzal Chaudhry's opening plenary address has been made available
- Outcomes of the advisory, project and clinical reference group meetings can be found in the posted closing plenary presentation
Please contact the below individuals for updates on the following meetings:
- Terminology Management Workshop: Rory Davidson
- Genomics Symposium: Ian Green and Charles Gutteridge
For any other updates or inquiries, please contact events@snomed.org
The Q1 2018 Edition of SNOMED International's quarterly newsletter, The Concept, is now available.
This quarter's lineup includes a number of important organization and Member updates including:
Featured Articles
- SNOMED International Welcomes Argentina as its 31st Member
- Mark Your Calendars…Expo 2018 Call for Abstracts Closes April 10th
- All Eyes on Vancouver: SNOMED CT Expo 2018, October 18-19
- January 2018 Release: SNOMED CT International Edition
- SNOMED CT supports athlete care at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games
Corporate News & Updates
- SNOMED International Business Meeting Reminder
- 2018 SNOMED International Product & Services Catalog
- Early Visibility: Changes to Jan 2019 CRS Service Levels
- Extensions Practical Guide – Draft for Community Review
- SNOMED CT for Developers Learning Pathway
- Update on Clinical Engagement: Clinical Reference Groups
- Content Achievements: First Quarter, 2018
- Vendor Engagement Day at Ireland’s NRC
- SNOMED CT in Primary Care – NHS Digital Implementation Update
- Inaugural Release of the JIC Patient Summary Standards Set
- Laying the Groundwork for Interoperability at the Olympics
Events
- SNOMED CT Expo 2018: October 18-19, Vancouver, BC
- Hospitalar: May 22-25, Sao Paolo, Brazil
- American Medical Informatics Association: Nov 3-7, 2018
http://theconcept.snomed.io/2018-1/
SNOMED International welcomes your submissions for next quarter's edition of The Concept.
Article submission required by Friday June 22nd, 2018 to info@snomed.org