What is the role that models can play in defining, communicating, and ensuring comparability of PMRI?
As noted earlier an architectural model describing the mapping of a common information model to a variety of interchange formats has provided the basis for approaches to interoperability among various SDOs for message format standards. While message format standards represent an important approach to communication of comparable PMRI, other approaches to interoperability, such as document management, visual integration, and distributed database approaches, will benefit from the development of a common information model. The work of HL7 on the version 3.0 Reference Information Model is a significant example of the ability of the private and government sectors to work together in the open standards process. Are there emerging areas, standards, or technologies that can contribute to the collection, storage, and communication of comparable PMRI? One of the conclusions of the Andover Working Group is that the availability of middleware to support the implementation of standards is a key fact
