A Care Knowledge Management System Based on an Ontological Model of Caring for People With Dementia: Knowledge Representation and Development Study

Bibliographic Details
Title: A Care Knowledge Management System Based on an Ontological Model of Caring for People With Dementia: Knowledge Representation and Development Study
Authors: Kim, Gyungha, Jeon, Hwawoo, Park, Sung Kee, Choi, Yong Suk, Lim, Yoonseob
Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research, Vol 23, Iss 6, p e25968 (2021)
Publisher Information: JMIR Publications, 2021.
Publication Year: 2021
Collection: LCC:Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics
LCC:Public aspects of medicine
Subject Terms: Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics, R858-859.7, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270
More Details: BackgroundCaregivers of people with dementia find it extremely difficult to choose the best care method because of complex environments and the variable symptoms of dementia. To alleviate this care burden, interventions have been proposed that use computer- or web-based applications. For example, an automatic diagnosis of the condition can improve the well-being of both the person with dementia and the caregiver. Other interventions support the individual with dementia in living independently. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop an ontology-based care knowledge management system for people with dementia that will provide caregivers with a care guide suited to the environment and to the individual patient’s symptoms. This should also enable knowledge sharing among caregivers. MethodsTo build the care knowledge model, we reviewed existing ontologies that contain concepts and knowledge descriptions relating to the care of those with dementia, and we considered dementia care manuals. The basic concepts of the care ontology were confirmed by experts in Korea. To infer the different care methods required for the individual dementia patient, the reasoning rules as defined in Semantic Web Rule Languages and Prolog were utilized. The accuracy of the care knowledge in the ontological model and the usability of the proposed system were evaluated by using the Pellet reasoner and OntOlogy Pitfall Scanner!, and a survey and interviews were conducted with caregivers working in care centers in Korea. ResultsThe care knowledge model contains six top-level concepts: care knowledge, task, assessment, person, environment, and medical knowledge. Based on this ontological model of dementia care, caregivers at a dementia care facility in Korea were able to access the care knowledge easily through a graphical user interface. The evaluation by the care experts showed that the system contained accurate care knowledge and a level of assessment comparable to normal assessment tools. ConclusionsIn this study, we developed a care knowledge system that can provide caregivers with care guides suited to individuals with dementia. We anticipate that the system could reduce the workload of caregivers.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1438-8871
Relation: https://www.jmir.org/2021/6/e25968; https://doaj.org/toc/1438-8871
DOI: 10.2196/25968
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/40dc337caa7b4f318357bb40c71bd5d1
Accession Number: edsdoj.40dc337caa7b4f318357bb40c71bd5d1
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Full text is not displayed to guests.
More Details
ISSN:14388871
DOI:10.2196/25968
Published in:Journal of Medical Internet Research
Language:English