Objective: The objective of this study was to develop an information model for East Asian traditional medicine as practiced in Japan, and to structure it on a computer using extensible markup language (XML). Methods: We analyzed the characteristics of East Asian traditional medicine as practiced in Japan using published literature and categories of East Asian traditional medicine, defining information model requirements. An alpha version, based on fundamental concepts and their relevance was drafted, and mapping comparisons were made with models including the ICD-11 Content Model and International Classification of Traditional Medicine (ICTM) Information Model to develop a beta version of the Information Model for East Asian traditional medicine as practiced in Japan. This was described in an XML schema. Results: We have developed a Japanese Traditional Medicine Sub Information Model (JTMI) for ICD-11. This comprises an ICD-11_entity, which describes information units (disease categories) in the ICD-11, and TM_ML (Traditional Medicine Markup Language) entities, describing information on traditional medicine, together with a transcription_module used to connect them. The transcription_module provides structure for linking the descriptions of the property information for ICD-11 disease categories and those of traditional medicine information described in terms of TM_ML. Conclusions: This study will extend the potential for data gathering and statistical analysis on traditional medicine, thus contributing to health statistics.
