Semantic web in health: what is the goal in the complexity?

Abstract

Semantic web platforms will have a significant impact on the organization, search and analysis of health information. These platforms based on semantic ontology may support health personnel in making the best decisions in favor of the patient or public health, since they may favor the achievement of complex thinking skills and their application within the health field. Therefore, it is necessary to know what is the goal in terms of a semantic web platform for health and what are the challenges that must be overcome to achieve it in the context of complexity. In this work, a review of the literature was carried out, using the SCOPUS database, through search strings, combining the terms "semantic web" and "health" and "complexity", obtaining n=23 results, of which only the most recent (2017-2023) n=14 were selected, which were read to select only those with relevance to the topic n=8. Regarding the goal, an efficient and secure platform is desired in terms of storage, management and exchange of information on patient health information; about the challenges, the two main ones were: (a) the need for a unified language and (b) interoperability between different platforms. In conclusion, in terms of complexity, the goal is that Semantic Web systems contribute to an efficient management of health information and thus support the achievement of complex thinking skills in health personnel such as diagnosis and therapy, as well as the formation of health students through educational innovation, but a common language and efficient interoperability are required.