The Guideline Elements Model (GEM) is an XML- based guideline document model that can store and organize the heterogeneous information contained in practice guidelines. It is intended to facilitate translation of natural language guideline documents into a format that can be processed by computers.

GEM is intended to be used throughout the entire guideline lifecycle to model information pertaining to guideline development, dissemination, implementation, and maintenance. Information at both high and low levels of abstraction can be accommodated. Use of XML facilitates computer processing of the guideline information. 

GEM is constructed as a hierarchy of more than 100 discrete tags with 9 major branches–Identity, Developer, Purpose, Intended Audience, Target Population, Method of Development, Testing, Review Plan, and Knowledge Components.

The GEM Document Type Definition (DTD) was balloted as an international standard for the representation of practice guidelines in XML format and has become ASTM standard E2210-02. Work continues within the HL7 organization to secure adoption of the GEM standard.

 


 Last modified: 06/13/2005