Data Dictionary

The data dictionary underpins the exchange specifications by providing formal definitions. Every element, type, and list of codes has a entry in the data dictionary that fully defines it's meaning and use, and relates it to other items.

Additionally the data dictionary provides mapping to the v3 RIM and structural vocabularies, which define important patterns for providing consistent and coherent definitions of interoperability. Other mappings to external ontological definition frameworks and interoperability standards are provided to assist with definition and discovery of meaning.

The data dictionary is broken up into sections. There is a section for each resource, and other additional supporting sections. See below for an index.

Note: technically, the data dictionary is an ontology represented in OWL. The master OWL file is available here (todo: link, when the OWL file exists!).

Data Dictionary Entries

Every item in the data dictionary has the following properties:

• A name that is unique to the section
• An identifier which is a system wide unique name
• A type to indicate what kind of thing the entry is describing
• An Is-a relationship with another entry (optional)
• a whole number version that indicates how many times the definition has been changed
• An authority that indicates which person/committee/organization manages the entry
• A formal definition
• Notes on what outstanding issues exist, if any
• Additional comments, mainly usage notes
• Requirements that lead to the definition of the item
• Link to concept that this maps to in the RIM (mandatory for exchange items)
• Links to additional external specifications

Elements in the exchange specification also have these additional properties:

• A reference to the item from which they are derived
• The control flag that applies to them
• Their cardinality
• Their data type
• A list of possible values, if appropriate

Data Dictionary Index

Semantic Base

• RIM
• Snomed-CT subset
• Infrastructure
• Data Types

Administrative Resources

• People
• Organizations
• Departments
• Teams
• Clinics
• Agents
• Patients
• Admissions
• Appointments
• InterestOfCare
• Transfers

Clinical Components

• Vitals etc
• Lab Report
• Imaging Report
• Alert
• Procedure
• Consultation
• Problem
• Immunization
• Diet
• Implant

Medications

• Instruction
• Prescription
• Dispense

Care management

• Care Plan

Documents

• Patient Summary
• Discharge Summary
• Transition Request
• Notes
• Letters

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