A reference set of SNOMED terms for the structured representation of respiratory disorders of the newborn infant.

The SNOMED CT(R) July 2006 release was systematically examined using the CliniClue(R) terminology browser to identify SNOMED terms that might be relevant for the structured representation of respiratory disorders of the newborn infant. Three neonatologists evaluated 348 candidate terms for inclusion in a reference set. Two hundred and eighty-eight (83%) terms were selected for inclusion. Most of the terms (73%) are SNOMED terms that are very relevant for the specific domain of care for the newborn infant. Nearly half the terms are fully defined and a third have one or more synonyms. The estimated use for the RefSet terms was more than once per month for 9% of the SNOMED terms and less than once a year for 66% of the terms.