ISO 17115:2007 defines a set of basic concepts required to describe formal concept representation systems, especially for health sciences, and describes representation of concepts and characteristics, for use especially in formal computer-based concept representation systems. A main motivation is to make it possible to precisely describe content models described in other International Standards.

ISO 17115:2007 does not include enumeration of axiomatic concepts and semantic links, or detailed content of health terminology systems (classifications, nomenclatures or reference terminology of health concepts).