This page is used to capture discussion on distinctions in meaning between Observables entities and Clinical findings as well as how to apply those distinctions in modeling and use of SNOMED CT.
Original email from Keith Campbell
Definition: Observation is the active acquisition of information from a primary source. In living beings, observation employs the senses. In science, observation can also involve the recording of data via the use of instruments. The term may also refer to any data collected during the scientific activity. The human mind, and modern scientific instruments can extensively process "observations" before they are consciously surfaced to the observer. This unconscious or automated pre-processing of data makes answering the question as to where in the data processing chain "observing" ends and "drawing conclusions” begins difficult. For our purposes, we do not try to draw a line between “observing” and “drawing conclusions” because for our analysis purposes, the distinction is immaterial.
https://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Qualitative%20property&item_type=topic
Definition: Standard…
Definition: Measurement consists of using observation to compare the phenomenon being observed to a standard [not a normal range]. Measurement asserts something. These standards can be qualitative, that is, only the absence or presence of a property is noted, or quantitative if a numerical value is attached to the observed phenomenon by counting or measuring. The standard of comparison can be an artifact, process, or definition which can be duplicated or shared by all observers, if not by direct measurement then by counting the number of aspects or properties of the object that are comparable to the standard. Measurement reduces an observation to a number which can be recorded, and two observations which result in the same number are equal within the resolution of the process.
2 Comments
Daniel Karlsson
First, I don't think "observation" can mean both "the active acquisition of information" and "any data collected during the scientific activity" (i.e. the information).
Second, I think what you're describing is the act of observation in the sketch above. Clinical findings in SNOMED CT on the other hand might represent the real thing, the clinicians thoughts, or the results depending on who you ask.
David Sperzel
In an attempt to address this issue in more detail, I have attached a presentation that we can discuss at a future Observables Group meeting.