Strategies for Adopting and Implementing SNOMED CT in Korea

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to introduce the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms(SNOMED CT), to describe use cases of SNOMED CT with the barriers and facilitators, and finally, to propose strategies foradopting and implementing SNOMED CT in Korea as a member of SNOMED International. Methods: We reviewed a collectionof SNOMED CT documents, such as introductory materials, practical guides, technical specifications, and referencematerials provided by SNOMED International and the literature on SNOMED CT published by researchers to identify usecases of SNOMED CT with barriers and facilitators. We also surveyed the attendees of SNOMED CT education and trainingseries offered by the Korea Human Resource Development Institute for Health and Welfare to identify perceived barriers toadopting SNOMED CT in Korea. Results: We identified the barriers and facilitators to adopt SNOMED CT experienced byinternational terminology experts and prospective Korean users. They were related to governance and infrastructure, supportservices for use, education and training programs, use cases, and vendor capability to implement SNOMED CT. Based onthese findings, we identified strategies for adopting and implementing SNOMED CT in Korea. They included the establishmentof SNOMED CT management infrastructure, the development of SNOMED CT education and training programs forvarious user groups, the provision of support services for SNOMED CT use, and the development of SNOMED CT use cases. Conclusions: These strategies for the adoption and implementation of SNOMED CT need to be executed step by step.