Term
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Definition
(Graphical User Interface): An interface that allows a person to operate a software
program using visual images (called icons), drop-down menu choices, and tool bars,
rather than complex keystrokes and text commands. The most common manipulating
device is a mouse. |
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Term
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Definition
A computer that acts as a source of information or provides functionality for
multiple terminals, peripherals, and/or users. |
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Term
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Definition
A special integration server that connects legacy systems by using a
standard messaging protocol. Because hospitals and other healthcare providers usually
have different systems for different aspects of services, they are often unable to
communicate with each other. HL7 gets around that problem by providing the
framework for the exchange, integration, sharing and retrieval of electronic health
information. Interface engines typically provide functionality such as: guaranteed store
and forward of messages, support for the HL7 standard, message translation (moving
and modifying fields within the HL7 message message routing (messages received from
one application and sent to many applications), a Graphical User Interface (GUI) based
configuration and management tools, the ability to insert Alerts and monitoring. |
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Term
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Definition
An internal network that looks and acts like the World Wide Web. Intranets
allow companies to take advantage of Web-based technology and create a private
means of sharing data and applications among their networked users. |
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Term
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Definition
(Internet Service Provider): A company that provides users with access to the
Internet and the World Wide Web. Users connect to the ISP through ordinary telephone
lines (dial-up connections) or through faster connections such as DSL, cable or
fiberoptic lines. Although some ISPs charge by the hour, most offer monthly or yearly
rates. |
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Term
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Definition
A platform-independent, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems and modeled on the programming language C++. Java applets--
miniature applications designed to run within another program--now are popular
features of Web sites. |
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Term
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Definition
(Local Area Network): A network consisting of computers that are located in
relatively close physical proximity to each other and are connected by wire cables, fiber
optic lines, or other physical means. See also WLAN. |
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Term
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Definition
(Open System Interconnection) Reference Model: A seven layer used to teach
networking concepts and protocols. The layers are used to illustrate encapsulation and
how control is passed from one layer to the next in a generalized manner. The layers
include: One-Physical, Two-Data Link, Three-Network, Four-Transport, Five-Session,
Six-Presentation, and Seven-Application. |
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Term
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Definition
A Web site that offers a range of resources, such as e-mail, chat boards, search
engines, content and online shopping. |
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Term
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Definition
A database in which all information is arranged in tables
containing predefined fields. Changing a field in one record automatically changes the
same field in all related records, allowing for easy global database management. Using
SQL, reports and comparisons can be generated by selecting fields of interest from the original database |
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Term
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Definition
A program that monitors and analyzes the flow of information on a network,
searching for bottlenecks and problems. Network managers use sniffer programs to
monitor traffic flow and keep data moving efficiently. A sniffer can also be used
legitimately or illegitimately to capture data transmitted over a network. |
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Term
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Definition
(Simple Object Access Protocol): SOAP is a protocol specifi cation for
exchanging structured information in the implementation of Web Services in computer
networks. It relies on eXtensible Markup Language (XML) as its message format, and
usually relies on other Application Layer protocols (most notably Remote
Procedure Call (RPC) and HTTP) for message negotiation and transmission. As a
layman’s example of how SOAP procedures can be used, a SOAP message could be
sent to a webservice-enabled web site (for example, a request for a drug price) with the
parameters needed for a search. The site would then return an XML-formatted
document with the resulting data (unit of measure, price, forms, etc). Because the data
is returned in a standardized machine parseable format, it could then be integrated
directly into the original requesting application (an EMR) at the requesting party site. |
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Term
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Definition
(Structured Query Language): A standard command language used to interact with
a database. |
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Term
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Definition
: A networked computer that manages a specific set of network resources. A
server may manage network traffic or peripheral use, store files, or run applications for
users at other computers on the network. |
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Term
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Definition
Types of transmission lines in the T-carrier telecommunications system that
are often used to provide Internet access to larger organizations. T1 lines can transmit
about 1.5 Mbps of data. A T3 line contains 28 T1 lines together and can transmit about
45 times the data of a single T1, enough for full-motion video. Six T3 lines make one T4
line, capable of transmitting about 274 Mbps. |
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Term
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Definition
A flat-panel laptop that uses a stylus pen or touch-screen, rather
than a keyboard, for entry of data and commands. |
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Term
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Definition
In a client/server system, a client with little processing or data storage
capability that primarily relies on a central server to perform those functions. |
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Term
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Definition
(User Interface): The part of an application that allows the user to access the
application and manipulate its functionality. It can include menus, forms, command
buttons, etc. |
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Term
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Definition
| (Uniform Resource Locator): A Web address. Each Web page has a unique URL. |
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Term
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Definition
(Virtual Private Network): A network that uses public connections, such as the
Internet, to link users but relies on encryption and other security measures to ensure
that only authorized users can access the network |
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Term
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Definition
(Wide Area Network): A computer network that covers a large physical area. A
WAN usually consists of multiple local area networks (LANs) |
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Term
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Definition
A networked host computer that stores and transmits documents and
other data to Web browsers via HTTP, an Internet data transfer protocol. |
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Term
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Definition
Another name for 802.11b , a wireless networking standard ratified by the IEEE
in late 1999 and supported by the largest wireless local area network (WLAN) vendors.
Wi-Fi is short for wireless fidelity. |
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Term
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Definition
This term refers to the structure of an information system and how its
pieces communicate and work together. Also see client/server and tiered architecture. |
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Term
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Definition
(Clinical Decision Support): Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) assist the
physician in applying new information to patient care and help to prevent medical errorsand improve patient safety. Many of these systems include computer-based programs
that analyze information entered by the physician. |
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Term
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Definition
(Computerized Provider Order Entry): A computer application that allows a
physician's orders for diagnostic and treatment services (such as medications,
laboratory, and other tests) to be entered electronically instead of being recorded on
order sheets or prescription pads. The computer compares the order against standards
for dosing, checks for allergies or interactions with other medications, and warns the
physician about potential problems |
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