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  •   over 13 years ago

Data Manipulation

Quick question about the data that we are working with. Can we make assumptions that we can make calculations from / apply light to the data?

For example, we are given the birthday. Can we assume that we can calculate the patient's age?

Or another example, we are given a linear list of medications. Can we assume that we could programmatically identify the "current medications" or "medications in the past x months"?

Thanks!

  • 4 comments

  •   •   over 13 years ago

    It depends on the data that's available doesn't it?

    Simple calculations like calculating age using DOB and today's date is readily handled using server-side or even using browser scripting. So my guess would be yes to your first example.

    Your second one implicitly requires us to know whether the prescriptions are still being filled or whether it's been stopped. Maybe the moderator can clarify if this information is available?

  • Manager   •   over 13 years ago

    Can we make assumptions that we can make calculations from / apply light to the data? --> Yes! If it's a light calculation, be creative about it.

    Can we assume that we could programmatically identify the "current medications" or "medications in the past x months"? --> You could do the latter pretty easily. Since it is time based. Not sure it would be so easy to do "current".

  •   •   over 13 years ago

    It's a shame there are no data fields we can use to work out past/present meds - we don't have refill count, pill count, or "prescribe until...".
    The VA record at least has refill and pill count, so you can work out how many weeks supply, etc, and then assume that something has run its course.

    That seems to undermine a use of the record - "what meds is this patient on, right now"?

  • Manager   •   over 13 years ago

    Hi James,

    The CCD can *sometimes* include that information. If it improves the design you are working on, find a way to demonstrate how your design looks with and without that info.

    Best,
    Ryan

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