Standard protocol for exchange of health-checkup data based on SGML: the Health-checkup Data Markup Language (HDML).
OBJECTIVES: To develop a health/medical data interchange model for efficient electronic exchange of data among health-checkup facilities. RESULTS: A Health-checkup Data Markup Language (HDML) was developed on the basis of the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), and a feasibility study carried out, involving data exchange between two health checkup facilities. The structure of HDML is described. RESULTS: The transfer of numerical lab data, summary findings and health status assessment was successful. CONCLUSIONS: HDML is an improvement to laboratory data exchange. Further work has to address the exchange of qualitative and textual data.