A method for generation and distribution of synthetic medical record data for evaluation of disease-monitoring systems

There are several initiatives within the health care community to exchange patient medical records across health care facilities. These records hold the potential of providing public health officials with the ability to identify and monitor diseases posing a health risk to their communities. Tools are needed to exploit the wealth of data and information contained within these records. Synthetic medical record data are needed for development and evaluation of new techniques. A hybrid of real background disease levels with injected cases of disease has shown utility for testing systems. The generation of medical records in response to patient chief complaints is provided by the addition of a care delivery model. Once the model is fully developed, synthetic medical record data can be provided as a service, on the National Health Information Network, for developers and public health agencies to support evaluation and training.