Development of Data Model for Computerized Information System at a Clinic

Abstract

Databases are integral part of all computerized information systems (CIS). Well-designed database is an important requirement for having a useful and effective CIS. Database analysis and design are essential phases of database development process that would lead to the database creation. This project looks at developing a conceptual data model that can represent a prospective database for supporting a selected healthcare processes at Al-Keesh clinic in Benghazi. Enacting such development process defines the targeted processes and their challenges as well as their data requirements.Methods: requirement analysis is one task of the database development process where data is collected from the field then analysed to produce a conceptual data model for the database. Data are collected via various technique including interviews, document analysis, and work observations which all were used on this project.Results: requirement analysis defined process descriptions for three targeted healthcare processes at the clinic. These descriptions provide an understanding about the database system context and identified a number of challenges that would be resolved by the prospective database. Data redundancy, lack of clear data structure, and fragmented data documentation were some of the findings revealed about the targeted processes. The requirements analysis also defined the conceptual data model which represented the specification of the data content of the database. The produced ERD illustrates 16 entities specific to the targeted processes along their complete attributes as well as the relationship among these entities Conclusions: database analysis and design activities provide the guidelines for establishing the database specifications including the conceptual data model. A conceptual data model that represents local data requirements is essential for developing a CIS that is relevant and useful to the users. These activities also revealed the targeted processes issues and challenges which allow the system analyst to contemplate the adequate technical solution to address them.