Abstract
Purpose: :
Development of structured terminology to be used in classification criteria for the major uveitic syndromes. The project goal is to standardize terms and criteria in an effort to standardize reporting of clinical data in the field of uveitis.
Methods: :
The core terminology design group, consisting of uveitis specialists, used a green field approach to develop a base terminology. This base terminology was confirmed through teleconferences and surveys of the full working group. From the base terminology, a mapping of terms and dimensions into syndromes was developed. These mappings were discussed at a meeting of the full working group and nominal group techniques were used to develop consensus on the mappings.
Results: :
The group affirmed a list of 87 uveitic terms and dimensions for 28 uveitic syndromes that will be used as a framework for subsequent work in developing classification criteria and a proposed ontology. There were 87 terms identified that are specifically used by uveitis specialists to describe signs and symptoms. From these terms, mappings into specific dimensions were adopted for 28 syndromes, which are classified based on location of inflammation. These mappings then were accepted by the SUN Working Group.
Conclusions: :
Terminology development is a complicated process which is both enhanced and confounded by the addition of domain experts. Additionally, when a terminology is heavily dependent on sometimes abstract concepts of observation instead of measurement, it can be challenging to reach agreement. Although the mappings have been accepted by the SUN Working Group, testing against actual patient records must be done to confirm the accuracy of the terms and develop classification criteria. The SUN Working Group is continuing its work on this project.
Keywords: uveitis-clinical/animal model • clinical research methodology