EuroRec Repository
DEFINITIONS
Version 1.0 – November 2009
1The problem
Some terms used in the EuroRec Repository are related to concepts that aren’t defined. Users may give different interpretationsin case of absence of a clear-cut definition, resulting in nonconsistent quality labelling and certification.
The problems are perhaps even more explicit when translating the EuroRec statements. A clear definition, applicable to the context of its use, is then needed in order to select the correct term in the target language.
Clear definitions will also be helpful when setting up certification sessions, reducing the clarification efforts required to explain the meaning and purpose of thestatementsto the application suppliers and evaluators.
2The approach
We don’t intend to provide a definition to any concept or term used in the EuroRec Repository. Users of the repository should identify, when using the statements, which terms or concepts require a definition.
EuroRec therefore build, linked to the Repository, a tool to select the terms to be defined and a tool to maintain the definitions.
The definitions are, until now, in English only.
3Principles regarding the definitions
The EuroRec Repository definitions are not intended to be normative nor applicable in otherdomains of application than quality labelling, certification and documentation of EHR systems.
This does not mean that standard, normative definitions should not be mentioned / used. They should always be provided, at least the definition applicable to the eHealth domain in general and more specifically to EHR systems and their use.
First of all, definitions need to be clear, unambiguous and consistent within the domain of application.
There is no objection against having more than one definition for a term or concept.
The origin of the definition should be given if obtained from external sources.
4The application
4.1Activate the definitions function for a new term
The first step is to activate the function e.g. from a list of Fine Grained Statements. Therefore, simply click the “Dictionary” icon for the/a statement containing one or more terms to be defined.
4.2Selection of a new term to be defined
The system presents the following interface, in case no concept has been identified for which a definition was found in the repository.
Select the concept / terms and copy paste them, subsequently submit them. The terms/concepts will be added to the list of terms to be defined.
Remark: don’t use plurals.
4.3Overview of the terms/concepts defined
Clicking on “All concepts in the dictionary” gives you access to an alphabetic overview of the concepts in the definitions repository, as illustrated.
The concepts are listed alphabetically.
To request an existing definition, select the appropriate term/concept, e.g. the definition (provisional) of a health issue.
4.4Display of concepts in the definitions repository
Terms or concepts already listed in the repository are highlighted when activating the definitions function.
This interface indicates that the concept “audit log” has already been identified as to be defined… but not yet defined, as illustrated in the next screen.
4.5Create a definition
In order to create a definition, activate the Edit function. Select and read the manual before starting to use the fuonctionality.
Select the concept you want to define from the alphabetical list. The list informs the user whether a definition already exists.
The system offers the possibility to:
- Modify / correct the term if necessary
- Write down your definition, using a basic editing function
- Save the term and/or the definition
4.6Editing an existing definition
Use the same interface as for creating a definition. Simply edit the text module with the definition.
Save the definition after editing.
4.7History of a definition
The different versions of a definition are displayed as illustrated
4.8Delete the definition only
Deleting the definition(s) only can be done by erasing the text and saving the remaining definition(s) or an empty definition.
4.9Delete a term
Deleting a term or concept includes deletion of the linked definitions, if any. Therefore click the appropriate button.