An object-oriented database approach to the storage and use of medical data

An object oriented database was constructed in order to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with aphasia. A relational database was also constructed for comparison purposes. The two models were compared on several dimensions in order to illustrate the advantages available in the object oriented implementation. These advantages include support for embedded procedures, inheritance, complex objects and abstract data types. The object oriented implementation was also shown to provide greater data integrity brought about by a tighter coupling of data and procedures. The system chosen for the object oriented implementation was the Postgres Next Generation Database Management System. An argument was made for the adoption of an object oriented database management system for further research on computerization of the medical record