Electronic patient records: Dutch domain information model perinatology.

Currently a national domain information model is developed to support information exchange via electronic patient records (EPR), and to support the adoption of the EPR in Dutch healthcare practice. This article describes a pilot for the domain information model for mother- and childcare (perinatology) that serves as a first 'use case'. The 'use case' is modeled using the Health Level 7 version 3 Reference Information Model (HL7 RIM) as the methodology and modeling tool. The first results are promising, despite the fact that HL7 RIM is still in a draft version up to formal vote. The models of the 'use case' are both specific and generic at the same time, allowing professionals to recognize their domain specific content and work, and the EPR developers, or developers of messages for information exchange, to build practical implementations. The approach bridges professional content and technical issues.