Abstract
This chapter introduces a model approach to long-term digital preservation of Electronic Health Record (EHR). The long-term digital preservation is an emerging trend in the environment of digital libraries. However, legal or business needs may cause the use of digital preservation strategies in different fields. This is the case of the EHR as part of the information system of a healthcare institution. After a reasonable space of time without activity, an EHR becomes a passive information unit. Consequently, this passive information unit remains safe in a separate information system where the main purpose is digitally preserving this information on a long-term basis. There are two appropriate methodologies, Trustworthy Repository Audit and Certification Criteria (TRAC) and a Reference Model for Open Archival Information System (OAIS). These methodologies can widely be adopted by health care organizations to preserve EHR in the long-term.
TopBackground
This section will introduce the terminology used in the digital preservation field, as well as different concepts and definitions. This introduction explains terms currently employed preserving information on the long-term; words such as digital preservation, repository and technological issues such emulation or migration processes are among these items. The description of other technological elements forms part of this section.
A review of scientific literature indicates the relevant aspects processing Electronic Health Records. This reviewed literature will point at some approaches to long-term preservation of Electronic Health Records, approaches to TRAC, some technology related as well as information on the OAIS model.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Trustworthy Repositories Audit Criteria (TRAC): TRAC is a qualitative methodology for repository audit to assess organization system information. This assessment evaluates the criteria to preserve information on the long-term.
Migration: Migration is computerised technique that allows updating a digital object to a new version.
Risk Analysis: To assess an institution on risk over their ICT system. Recognized standards are necessary to conduct risk analysis.
Electronic Health Record: An EHR is a container of information containing individual health data over its life. It may have attached information in graphical or textual form test, trials or analyses practised to the individual to whom data belong.
Digital Preservation: Digital preservation is a process in a closed environment to keep safe and accessible information on the long-term. This information may be digitised previously or being digitally born.
Open Archive Information System (OAIS): Archive to preserve the information on the long term. In its implementation, there is no definition of any particular technology. Conformance of an OAIS archive, means accepting the information model and its mandatory responsibilities.
Repository: Is an information system to maintain information on the long-term. Data maintained may be on the long term using the OAIS reference model.
Emulation: Technique that allows access the information to an obsolete digital object through the interaction of software built for the occasion.