Development of a SNOMED-CT mapping framework for the interoperability of biobank resources in Korea

The existing Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) toolkit includes only a clinical term search, and its output functions are not linked to a particular database, making it difficult for users to map biological data, and the use of biobanks requires much time and effort. This study developed a SNOMED-CT toolkit using an optimized search, allowing users to map clinical items for efficient utilization and standardization of biobank resources. The toolkit was developed using the Java programming language and Java Database Connectivity to connect to a previously developed research database. The user interface was implemented using Swing. The functions and interfaces of the toolkit were developed after a requirement analysis by SNOMED-CT experts. Using the toolkit, the user can search SNOMED-CT concepts. Using pre-and post-coordinated mapping of clinical items with the toolkit, it is possible to maximize the semantic interoperability of the previously developed database.