The purpose of this presentation is to describe and demonstrate an intelligent database of occupational toxicology. An intelligent database is an information map of a specific knowledge domain. Like a road map, the purpose of an intelligent database is to support evidence-based decisions. Like a mapmaker, the domain expert who designs an intelligent database first outlines the domain and then adds details, starting with the most prominent features. "Haz-Map" is an intelligent database of occupational toxicology developed in Microsoft Access. This relational database uses nine linked tables of information to define the knowledge domain: Chemical & Biological Agents, Industrial Processes, Non-Occupational Activities, Occupational Diseases, Signs & Symptoms, Hazardous Job-Tasks, Industries, and Jobs. An unambiguous, controlled vocabulary and hierarchical classification systems are used to index the tables of information. Comprehensive indexing of the entire domain provides quick access to more detailed information about hazardous job-tasks, toxic chemicals, and occupational diseases. The user can "zoom in" or "drill down" to the facts needed for the particular case being evaluated. Students of medicine and industrial hygiene could use the database to help them learn the information-intensive field of occupational toxicology. After becoming familiar with the database, trained professionals could readily access specific information throughout their careers and improve the recognition and prevention of occupational diseases. The author will demonstrate how Haz-Map can assist decision-making by classifying the voluminous information from the world’s scientific literature and taking advantage of the storage capacity, processing speed, and graphical-user interface of modern desktop computers. See www.haz-map.com
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to define an intelligent database, list important tables in a database of occupational toxicology, and explain how this information tool could support decision-making for disease prevention.
Keywords: Information Databases, Decision-Making
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program at the National Library of Medicine
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed as a consultant by the National Library of Medicine to help develop a web interface for free access to Haz-Map. I am also the sole owner of Haz-Map and plan to sell a CD version of the software application.