PROTECTION: A BPMN-Based Data-Centric Process-Modeling-Managing-and-Mining Framework for Pandemic Prevention and Control

Abstract

The recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has demonstrated all the limitations of modern healthcare information systems in preventing and controlling pandemics, especially following an unexpected event. Existing approaches often fail to integrate real-time data and adaptive learning mechanisms, leading to inefficient response strategies and resource allocation challenges. To address this gap, in this paper, we propose PROTECTION, an innovative data-centric process-modeling-managing-and-mining framework for pandemic control and prevention that is based on the new paradigm that we name Knowledge-, Decision- and Data-Intensive (KDDI) processes. PROTECTION adopts Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) as a standardized approach to model and manage complex healthcare workflows, enhancing interoperability and formal process representation. PROTECTION introduces a structured methodology that integrates Big Data Analytics, Process Mining and Adaptive Learning Mechanisms to dynamically update healthcare processes in response to evolving pandemic conditions. The framework enables real-time process optimization, predictive analytics for outbreak detection, and automated decision support for healthcare. Through case studies and experimental validation, we demonstrate how PROTECTION can effectively deal with the complex domain of pandemic control and prevention.