Bridging Data Silos: Toward a Data-Sharing Ontology for Coordinating Human Services for Older Adults

Older adults often receive services from multiple organizations, yet a lack of coordination can lead to fragmented care. This study examines how improved data sharing can support more integrated service delivery. Based on interviews with frontline workers in aging-related organizations in Singapore, we identified common service needs and recurring patterns in how client information is exchanged. From these findings, we developed a conceptual framework in the form of an ontology that enables organizations to categorize, structure, and share client data securely and consistently. The framework provides a foundation for improving coordination across diverse actors while protecting client privacy. Although grounded in the context of aging services, the approach has broader relevance for networks seeking to streamline service delivery and strengthen cross-organizational collaboration.