On Wed, 2003-10-15 at 13:24, Tim Churches wrote: > , albeit rather imperfect > terminology/classification like SNOMED CT, and we need it now. But we shouldn't > take our eyes off the goal of a free terminology, perhaps 5 or 10 years hence. Is it > possible that any of the free terminology projects can deliver something to match > SNOMED CT sooner? Wonderful if they could.
My guess is that they *could*. But the major issue is sustainability isn't it? Much like the drugref.org project this is something that requires specific professions to voluntarily maintain over long periods of time. Organizations should be able to pool their resources but.....do you end up with something like the AMA and the CPT codes in the end? The person/group that pulls off convincing those with the knowledge to contribute that knowledge on an ongoing basis will have done a great deed. Could/should it be started in academic institutions and then developed as part of the new generation's duties? Regards, Tim
