Comparing the representation of medicinal products in RxNorm and SNOMED CT – Consequences on interoperability

OBJECTIVES: To compare the representation of medicinal products in RxNorm and SNOMED CT and assess the consequences on interoperability. METHODS: To compare the two models, we manually establish equivalences between the types and definitional features of medicinal products entities in RxNorm and SNOMED CT. We highlight their similarities and differences. RESULTS: Both models share major definitional features including ingredient (or substance), strength and dose form. SNOMED CT is more rigorous and better aligned with international standards. In contrast, RxNorm contains implicit knowledge, simplifications and ambiguities, but its model is simpler. CONCLUSIONS: Since their models are largely compatible, medicinal products from RxNorm and SNOMED CT are expected to be interoperable. However, specific aspects of the alignment between the two models require particular attention.