Part One
Given the knowledge you have gained about data dictionaries and metadata, put yourself in the role of an electronic health record designer. Specify the attributes that should be included in the database to correctly identify and track patients. Attributes are the individual data types that can be represented as “columns” in the data table.
Your database attributes and the specifications of the attribute should be listed in a table format–Excel spreadsheet or a Word table. The content in your spreadsheet or table should include:
- Data attribute or element
- Definition
- How many characters long should this data attribute or element be
- What type is the data attribute (text, numeric, etc.)
- Any other specifications you think would be important to the attribute or element
Example:
Data Attribute | Definition | Characters | Type | Other Specifications |
Patient First Name | Patient First Name | 30 | Text | None |
Part Two
The second part of this assignment is a two page written essay in APA Format answering the following questions regarding databases:
- What is a database?
- What kinds of functions and uses do databases perform?
- Why are databases important in the implementation of an electronic health record?
- What is a data dictionary, and what is its purpose? How can data dictionaries help with your day-to-day work?
- Explain why developing a data dictionary so important?
- Explain data sets, and what they are used for in healthcare information.
- You must include a reference page with at least two references.
You should have two documents for this assignment.
Expert Solution Preview
Part One:
When designing a database for electronic health records, it is important to include specific attributes to correctly identify and track patients. These attributes should be listed in a table format, including the data attribute or element, definition, character length, data type, and any other important specifications. An example of this format can be seen below:
| Data Attribute | Definition | Characters | Type | Other Specifications |
|——————|———————|————–|——–|———————|
| Patient First Name | First name of the patient | 30 | Text | None |
| Patient Last Name | Last name of the patient | 30 | Text | None |
| Date of Birth | Date of birth of the patient | 10 | Date | None |
| Patient ID | Unique identifier for the patient | 10 | Text | None |
| Address | Address of the patient | 50 | Text | None |
| Phone Number | Phone number of the patient | 15 | Text | None |
Part Two:
1. A database is a collection of data that is organized in a specific way to allow for easy access, manipulation, and retrieval of information.
2. Databases perform a variety of functions and uses, including storing and managing large amounts of data, providing quick and easy access to data, allowing for data to be easily sorted and analyzed, and enabling multiple users to access the same data simultaneously.
3. Databases are important in the implementation of electronic health records because they allow for the secure storage and sharing of patient information among healthcare providers, improving overall patient care and outcomes.
4. A data dictionary is a tool used to define and describe the data elements in a database. Its purpose is to provide a standardized way of describing data, making it easier to understand and use. Data dictionaries can help with day-to-day work by providing a common language for describing data, reducing confusion and errors.
5. Developing a data dictionary is important because it helps ensure that data elements are defined and described consistently throughout a database. This makes it easier for users to understand and use the data, improving data quality and reliability.
6. Data sets are a collection of related data elements that are grouped together for a specific purpose. In healthcare information, data sets are used to collect and analyze data on specific patient populations, diseases, and treatments.
7. References:
[Insert references here]
