Skip to content

Clinical terminology (SNOMED)

CareFlow Kids uses a subset of SNOMED CT terminology to normalize clinical data recorded during consultations.

The terminology layer allows structured clinical information to be interpreted consistently by:

  • the guideline rule engine
  • the AI assistant
  • reporting and data export tools

SNOMED subset used in CareFlow Kids

The application does not include the full SNOMED CT terminology.

Instead, CareFlow Kids uses a restricted subset of SNOMED concepts corresponding to the structured fields used in the consultation interface.

Examples include:

  • symptoms
  • physical examination findings
  • clinical conditions
  • relevant contextual factors

This subset is mapped to the structured UI elements used during sick visits.

The purpose of this approach is to:

  • keep the system lightweight
  • simplify guideline rule creation
  • maintain consistent terminology across the application

Terminology flow

flowchart LR
    A[Structured UI fields] --> B[Normalized clinical tokens]
    B --> C[SNOMED subset concepts]
    C --> D[Guideline rule engine]
    C --> E[AI request builder]
    C --> F[Problem listing generator]

This diagram shows how structured clinical information is transformed into normalized concepts that can be reused consistently across the application.

Role of SNOMED normalization

During a consultation:

  1. Clinical data is entered through the structured UI.
  2. These inputs are mapped to normalized clinical tokens.
  3. These tokens correspond to SNOMED concepts.

These normalized tokens are then used by:

  • the guideline rule engine
  • the AI request builder
  • the problem listing generator

This ensures that different expressions of the same clinical concept can be interpreted consistently.

Licensing note

SNOMED CT is a licensed terminology system managed by SNOMED International.

Use and distribution of SNOMED terminology is subject to the licensing rules defined by SNOMED International and by national member organizations.

CareFlow Kids does not redistribute the full SNOMED CT dataset.

Instead, the system relies on a limited subset of clinical terms mapped internally to SNOMED identifiers.

Users or developers distributing software based on SNOMED terminology should ensure compliance with the licensing requirements applicable in their jurisdiction.

More information is available at:

https://www.snomed.org