The NHS Data Model and Dictionary is maintained by the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service.

NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service Products

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service produce other supporting products and services which complement the content of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

These can be found on the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service website and can be accessed by clicking on the link to the 'NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service' on the front page of the dictionary.

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service website contains information, such as:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service Consultation Website?
• How to join the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service Mailing List?.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Help Pages

If you need help using the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, access the Help pages.

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary is maintained by the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service.

NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service Products

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service produce other supporting products and services which complement the content of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

These can be found on the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service website and can be accessed by clicking on the link to the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service on the Front Page of the dictionary.

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service website contains information, such as:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to join the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service Mailing List?.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Help Pages

If you need help using the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, access the Help pages.

The "All Items Index" lists all the items in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary in alphabetical order.

All items are coloured coded:

• Classes are shown in Red
• Attributes are shown in Purple
• Data Elements are shown in Green
• Data Sets are shown in Aqua Blue
• Central Return Forms are shown in Pink and
• NHS Business Definitions and Supporting Information are shown in Blue.

There is a link “To top” on each page which takes you back to the top of the "All Items Index" page. 

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View All Items Index (A-Z) in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on the All Items Index, see the All Items Index Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations.  If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

The "All Items Index" lists all the items in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary in alphabetical order.

All items are coloured coded:

• Classes are shown in Red
• Attributes are shown in Purple
• Data Elements are shown in Green
• Data Sets are shown in Aqua Blue
• NHS Business Definitions and Supporting Information are shown in Blue.

There is a link “To top” on each page which takes you back to the top of the "All Items Index" page. 

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View All Items Index (A-Z) in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on the All Items Index, see the All Items Index Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations.  If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

This page contains information on the following subjects:

• Commissioning Data Sets
• Commissioning Data Set Supporting Information
• Schema Documentation
• Supporting Data Sets

Commissioning Data Sets

The Commissioning Data Set is the basic structure used for the submission of commissioning data to the Secondary Uses Service. Every secondary care provider in England has to send a set of standard Commissioning Data Sets to the Secondary Uses Service which contains details of all the care they have provided.

Each Commissioning Data Set name is in Title Case and where the name of a Data Set is Aqua Blue, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the Data Set.

To access a Commissioning Data Set,:

• Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu
• Select Commissioning Data Sets Menu from the left hand menu
• Select Commissioning Data Set Versions
• Select the link to Commissioning Data Set Version 6-2 Type List.
  • New Layout with CDS-XML Schema Rules and Overview (new layout)
  • Overview Existing CDS Type (old layout)

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service have redesigned the Commissioning Data Set pages within the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, to provide all the required rules and information in one view. The purpose of the change of layout of the Commissioning Data Set tables within the NHS Data Model and Dictionary is to improve user understanding. There will be dual running of the old and new layouts for a trial period at which point only the new layout will be available.  Further guidance on the new layout can be found below under "What would you like to do next? - Guidance".

There are three frames to each Commissioning Data Set:

• "Left Hand Frame": shows the Commissioning Data Set menu.
• 
  
• "Middle Frame":
  • This displays the Data Set.
  • The Data Set is split into Data Groups which contain Data Elements grouped into logical sections. For example the ‘CDS Data Group: Patient Identity’ contains Data Elements relating to a Patient’s identity such as NHS NUMBER.
  • If you click on any item in the Data Set, the definition will be displayed in the "Right Hand Frame".
• 
  
• "Right Hand Frame":
  • For the old style Commissioning Data Sets, this initially shows the Commissioning Data Sets Introduction page and provides links to other more detailed information.  This initial page is displayed with each Commissioning Data Set.
  • For the new style Commissioning Data Sets, initially shows an "Overview" page, which provides information relating to the type of Commissioning Data Set.
  • It displays Data Element definitions viewed from the "Middle Frame".
• Where information is displayed in frames, the width of the frames can be adjusted by clicking on the “vertical” scroll bar and dragging it left or right as appropriate.

Commissioning Data Set Supporting Information

Further information relating to Commissioning Data Sets can be accessed from the Commissioning Data Sets menu in the "Left Hand Frame".

This section provides help and guidance for transmitting the Commissioning Data Sets to the Secondary Uses Service, for example, the Commissioning Data Set Message Schema Versions page.  The Commissioning Data Set XML Message Schema, documentation and Release notes can be downloaded from this page.

Note: XML based messaging has been mandated as the standard to be used for transmitting the Commissioning Data Sets.  The XML Schema defines the nationally agreed data specification.

Schema Documentation

The Commissioning Data Set XML Message Schema is a technical document that is designed for use by anyone setting up and maintaining systems to flow Commissioning Data Sets.  It offers a visual representation of the actual XML Schema against which the data is validated.

This provides:

• The Format and Length of the Data Element
• Optionality:  this indicates whether Data Elements are Optional or Mandatory
• Conditionality:  this indicates that there are conditions where the Data Element must be populated
• National codes (not descriptions) which are shown as enumerations
• A structural view of each Commissioning Data Set

Supporting Data Sets

Supporting Data Sets are subsets of Commissioning Data Sets and can be accessed from the Front Page as with any other Data Sets, for example, the Critical Care Minimum Data Set.  All relevant Commissioning Data Sets can be accessed by clicking on the hyperlinks form this Data Set.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View the Commissioning Data Sets Overview in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

•   Guidance

For guidance on the new Commissioning Data Set Layout, see the Commissioning Data Set Redesign Guidance Notes.

This page contains information on the following subjects:

• Commissioning Data Sets
• Commissioning Data Set Supporting Information
• XML Schema Documentation
• Supporting Data Sets

Commissioning Data Sets

The Commissioning Data Set is the basic structure used for the submission of commissioning data to the Secondary Uses Service. Every secondary care provider in England has to send a set of standard Commissioning Data Sets to the Secondary Uses Service which contains details of all the care they have provided.

Each Commissioning Data Set name is in Title Case and where the name of a Data Set is Aqua Blue, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the Data Set.

To access a Commissioning Data Set,:

• Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu
• Select Commissioning Data Sets Menu from the left hand menu
• Select Commissioning Data Set Versions
• Select the link to Commissioning Data Set Version 6-2 Type List.

Further guidance on the layout of the Commissioning Data Sets can be found at: Commissioning Data Set Redesign Guidance Notes.

There are three frames to each Commissioning Data Set:

• "Left Hand Frame": shows the Commissioning Data Set menu.
• 
  
• "Middle Frame":
  • This displays the Data Set.
  • The Data Set is split into Data Groups which contain Data Elements grouped into logical sections. For example the ‘CDS Data Group: Patient Identity’ contains Data Elements relating to a Patient’s identity such as NHS NUMBER.
  • If you click on any item in the Data Set, the definition will be displayed in the "Right Hand Frame".
• 
  
• "Right Hand Frame":
  • This initially shows an "Overview" page, which provides information relating to the type of Commissioning Data Set.
  • It displays Data Element definitions viewed from the "Middle Frame".
• Where information is displayed in frames, the width of the frames can be adjusted by clicking on the “vertical” scroll bar and dragging it left or right as appropriate.

Commissioning Data Set Supporting Information

Further information relating to Commissioning Data Sets can be accessed from the Commissioning Data Sets menu in the "Left Hand Frame".

This section provides help and guidance for transmitting the Commissioning Data Sets to the Secondary Uses Service, for example, the Commissioning Data Set Message Schema Versions page.  The Commissioning Data Set XML Message Schema, documentation and Release Notes can be downloaded from this page.

Note: XML based messaging has been mandated as the standard to be used for transmitting the Commissioning Data Sets.  The XML Schema defines the nationally agreed data specification.

Schema Documentation

The Commissioning Data Set XML Message Schema is a technical document that is designed for use by anyone setting up and maintaining systems to flow Commissioning Data Sets.  It offers a visual representation of the actual XML Schema against which the data is validated.

This provides:

• The Format and Length of the Data Element
• Optionality:  this indicates whether Data Elements are Optional or Mandatory
• Conditionality:  this indicates that there are conditions where the Data Element must be populated
• National codes (not descriptions) which are shown as enumerations
• A structural view of each Commissioning Data Set

Supporting Data Sets

Supporting Data Sets are subsets of Commissioning Data Sets and can be accessed from the Front Page as with any other Data Sets, for example, the Critical Care Minimum Data Set.  All relevant Commissioning Data Sets can be accessed by clicking on the hyperlinks from this Data Set.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View the Commissioning Data Sets Overview in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

•   Guidance

For guidance on the Commissioning Data Set Layout, see the Commissioning Data Set Redesign Guidance Notes.

A Data Set is a group of Data Elements that are required to support business analysis, for example, data associated with an Accident and Emergency Attendance is transmitted in the CDS V6-1 Type 010 - Accident and Emergency Commissioning Data Set.

The primary purpose of national data sets is to enable the same health information to be generated across the country independent of the ORGANISATION or system that captures it.

Note: The NHS Data Model and Dictionary does not contain all national data collections.

Data Sets are grouped together on the front page of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary under Data Collections. A description of each type of data set can be found by hovering over the item name.

The Commissioning Data Sets section also contains supplementary information, see the Commissioning Data Sets Help page for further information.

Each Data Collection name is in Title Case.

Where the name of a:

• Data Set in text is Aqua Blue, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the Data Set and
• Central Return Form is Pink, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the Central Return Form.

There are three frames to each Data Set:

• "Left Hand Frame": shows the appropriate Data Set menu.
• 
  
• "Middle Frame":
  • For Data Sets:
    • This displays the Data Set and may also contain information relating to the data set.
    • The Data Set is split into Data Groups which contain Data Elements grouped into logical sections.
    • If you click on any item in the Data Set, the definition will be displayed in the "Right Hand Frame".
  • For Central Return Forms, this provides a picture of the form. There is a tab for each page of the form.
• 
  
• "Right Hand Frame":
  • Initially shows an "Introduction" or "Overview" page, which provides information relating to the type of Data Set.
  • It displays Data Element definitions viewed from the "Middle Frame".
• 
  
• Where information is displayed in frames, the width of the frames can be adjusted by clicking on the “vertical” scroll bar and dragging it left or right as appropriate.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View Data Collections in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on Data Collections, see the Data Collections Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

A Data Set is a group of Data Elements that are required to support business analysis, for example, data associated with an Accident and Emergency Attendance is transmitted in the CDS V6-2 Type 010 - Accident and Emergency Commissioning Data Set.

The primary purpose of national data sets is to enable the same health information to be generated across the country independent of the ORGANISATION or system that captures it.

Note: The NHS Data Model and Dictionary does not contain all national data collections.

Data Sets are grouped together on the front page of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary under Data Collections. A description of each type of data set can be found by hovering over the item name.

The Commissioning Data Sets section also contains supplementary information, see the Commissioning Data Sets Help page for further information.

Each Data Collection name is in Title Case.

Where the name of a:

• Data Set in text is Aqua Blue, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the Data Set and
• Central Return Form is Pink, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the Central Return Form.

There are three frames to each Data Set:

• "Left Hand Frame": shows the appropriate Data Set menu.
• 
  
• "Middle Frame":
  • For Data Sets:
    • This displays the Data Set and may also contain information relating to the data set.
    • The Data Set is split into Data Groups which contain Data Elements grouped into logical sections.
    • If you click on any item in the Data Set, the definition will be displayed in the "Right Hand Frame".
  • For Central Return Forms, this provides a picture of the form. There is a tab for each page of the form.
• 
  
• "Right Hand Frame":
  • Initially shows an "Introduction" or "Overview" page, which provides information relating to the type of Data Set.
  • It displays Data Element definitions viewed from the "Middle Frame".
• 
  
• Where information is displayed in frames, the width of the frames can be adjusted by clicking on the “vertical” scroll bar and dragging it left or right as appropriate.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View Data Collections in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on Data Collections, see the Data Collections Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

A Data Element is the definition of the information which is usually transmitted in a Data Set.

In addition, Data Elements can contain text providing guidance, support, values or other information concerning the Data Element and its usage.

Each Data Element:

• Has a Green Bar to signify that it is a Data Element;
• Name is in UPPERCASE and where the name appears in text in GREEN, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the definition for that Data Element.

The following information is available on an Data Element:

• "Description" tab: a definition of the Data Element which provides hyperlinks to other related definitions.
  
  
  • Format/Length:
    • An entry in this field defines the format and length of the Data Element.
    • The character set used for Data Elements is the UTF-8 standard (Unicode Transformation Format-8).
    • The number indicates the field length of the Data Element.
  • 
    
  • HES Item:
    • This is the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) name for the Data Element, for example, Data Element BIRTH DATE has a Hospital Episode Statistics item name of "DOB".
    • Hospital Episode Statistics is a data warehouse containing details of all admitted and outpatient activity reported in the Commissioning Data Sets, therefore, not all Data Elements have a HES Item name.
    • A list of HES names can be found in the Hospital Episode Statistics Cross Reference Tables.
  • 
    
  • National Codes:
    • An entry in this field indicates that National Codes or classifications exist for the Data Element (as an Attribute) and describes how to view them.
    • If there are no agreed National Codes or classifications for the Data Element, the field is blank.
  • 
    
  •  Default Codes:
    • An entry in this field indicates that in addition to the agreed National Codes for the Data Element, there are default codes applicable to that Data Element only.
    • If there are no Default Codes for the Data Element, the field is blank.
      
  • 
    
  • Notes:
    • The Notes section provides guidance or other information concerning the Data Element and its usage.
    • The table at the foot of the page shows if there is an alias for this Data Element, e.g. schema name etc.
• 
  
• "Where Used" tab: every item where the Data Element is used within the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.
• 
  
• "Attribute" tab: the Attribute the Data Element is based on.
  • Data Elements are linked to Attributes so they can share the common Attribute definition. For example, NHS NUMBER, NHS NUMBER (BABY) and NHS NUMBER (MOTHER) are based on the one Attribute of NHS NUMBER.
  • Not all Data Elements are based on an Attribute. Some Data Elements are derived from other items, for example, AGE ON ADMISSION is a derived item and is not linked to an Attribute.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View Data Elements in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on Data Elements, see the Data Elements Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

A Data Element is the definition of the information which is usually transmitted in a Data Set.

In addition, Data Elements can contain text providing guidance, support, values or other information concerning the Data Element and its usage.

Each Data Element:

• Has a Green Bar to signify that it is a Data Element;
• Name is in UPPERCASE and where the name appears in text in GREEN, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the definition for that Data Element.

The following information is available on an Data Element:

• "Description" tab: a definition of the Data Element which provides hyperlinks to other related definitions.
  
  
  • Format/Length:
    • An entry in this field defines the format and length of the Data Element.
    • The character set used for Data Elements is the UTF-8 standard (Unicode Transformation Format-8).
    • The number indicates the field length of the Data Element.
  • 
    
  • HES Item:
    • This is the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) name for the Data Element, for example, Data Element PERSON BIRTH DATE has a Hospital Episode Statistics item name of "DOB".
    • Hospital Episode Statistics is a data warehouse containing details of all Accident and Emergency, admitted and outpatient activity reported in the Commissioning Data Sets, therefore, not all Data Elements have a HES Item name.
    • A list of HES names can be found in the Hospital Episode Statistics Cross Reference Tables.
  • 
    
  • National Codes:
    • An entry in this field indicates that National Codes or classifications exist for the Data Element (as an Attribute) and describes how to view them.
    • If there are no agreed National Codes or classifications for the Data Element, the field is blank.
  • 
    
  • Default Codes:
    • An entry in this field indicates that in addition to the agreed National Codes for the Data Element, there are default codes applicable to that Data Element only.
    • If there are no Default Codes for the Data Element, the field is blank.
  • 
    
  • Notes:
    • The Notes section provides guidance or other information concerning the Data Element and its usage.
    • The table at the foot of the page shows if there is an alias for this Data Element, e.g. schema name etc.

• "Where Used" tab: every item where the Data Element is used within the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.
• 
  
• "Attribute" tab: the Attribute the Data Element is based on.
  • Most Data Elements are linked to Attributes so they can share the common Attribute definition. For example, NHS NUMBER, NHS NUMBER (BABY) and NHS NUMBER (MOTHER) are based on the one Attribute of NHS NUMBER.
  • Not all Data Elements are based on an Attribute. Some Data Elements are derived from other items, for example, AGE ON ADMISSION is a derived item and is not linked to an Attribute.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View Data Elements in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on Data Elements, see the Data Elements Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

Classes, Attributes and Relationships are components which together define the NHS Data Model and are a suggested reference point for System Suppliers when developing systems.

• Demonstrations

These components are explained in a short PowerPoint presentation. To view this presentation, see the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Components.

NHS Data Model

The NHS Data Model provides:

• Structure to the data
  • This enables data to be seen in context to other data items. This is achieved by grouping data into Classes and having relationships between the Classes.
• 
  
• Detailed data definitions
  • Agreed definitions provide a common basis for communication.
• 
  
• High level graphical view of data
  • The NHS Data Model and Dictionary has a small set of Diagrams which represent parts of the NHS Data Model. These diagrams show the Classes, Relationships and Cardinality.
  • For example, the Patient Pathway Diagram diagram shows the Patient Pathways covered by the 18 week referral to treatment target.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Help Pages

If you need help using the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, access the Help pages.

Classes, Attributes and Relationships are components which together define the NHS Data Model and are a suggested reference point for System Suppliers when developing systems.

• Demonstrations

These components are explained in a short presentation. To view this presentation, see the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Components.

NHS Data Model

The NHS Data Model provides:

• Structure to the data
  • This enables data to be seen in context to other data items. This is achieved by grouping data into Classes and having relationships between the Classes.
• 
  
• Detailed data definitions
  • Agreed definitions provide a common basis for communication.
• 
  
• High level graphical view of data
  • The NHS Data Model and Dictionary has a small set of Diagrams which represent parts of the NHS Data Model. These diagrams show the Classes, Relationships and Cardinality.
  • For example, the Patient Pathway Diagram shows the Patient Pathways covered by the Referral To Treatment Consultant Led Waiting Times Measurement.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Help Pages

If you need help using the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, access the Help pages.

  Demonstrations

Please note that the information contained in the demonstrations was correct at the time of publication.

A number of short demonstrations are available which will take you through each component, step by step, in an easy to understand screen capture including a voice over and readable captions.
You can access the demonstrations from the help pages, they are indicated by this icon.

If you are not familiar with the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, it is recommended that you proceed through the demonstrations in the following order.

The subjects covered are:

• Classes
• Attributes
• Data Elements
• Data Collections
• NHS Business Definitions
• Supporting Information
• Diagrams
• Related DSCN/ISN
• Search
• All Items Index (A-Z)
• What's New

• test your knowledge on the section you have just completed
• navigate through all the demonstrations in the order above (recommended for new users)
• return to the Help menu
• return to the front page of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

Once you have completed the demonstrations, there are two quizzes to check your understanding of the help pages and the navigation options:

• Knowledge Check of the Help pages
• Navigation Exercises

The content of these demonstrations is for training purposes only and therefore may not match the current content of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.
Please refer to the Main Menu for the latest version of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

• How to Read an NHS Data Model and Dictionary Change Request
• NHS Data Model and Dictionary Components

How to use the Demonstrations

• Playback Control bar

The Playback Control bar appears at the bottom of every page. Titles for the controls will appear when you hover over them.
The controls are explained below:

• Rewind:  This control allows you to rewind back to the beginning of the demonstration
  

•    Play / Pause:  This control allows you to play or pause a demonstration
  • 
    
• Back:  This control allows you to 'rewind' a demonstration at specific intervals
  • 
    
• Forward:  This control allows you to go forward in a demonstration at specific intervals
  • 
    
• Fast Forward:  This control allows you to fast forward through the demonstration
  • 
    
•     Audio On / Off:  This control allows you to turn the audio on or off
  • 
    
• Exit:  This control exits the demonstration
  • 
    
• Information:  This control provides information on Adobe Captivate

Please note:

• you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support or e-Learning lead for further information.
• if you have problems viewing the demonstrations (i.e. screen size), contact your organisation's technical support or e-Learning lead for advice.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Help Pages

If you need help using the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, access the Help pages.

  Demonstrations

A number of short demonstrations are available which will take you through each component, step by step, in an easy to understand screen capture including a voice over and readable captions.
You can access the demonstrations from the help pages, they are indicated by this icon .

Please note that the information contained in the demonstrations was correct at the time of publication.

If you are not familiar with the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, it is recommended that you proceed through the demonstrations in the following order.

The subjects covered are:

• Classes
• Attributes
• Data Elements
• Data Collections
• NHS Business Definitions
• Supporting Information
• Diagrams
• Related DSCN/ISN
• Search
• All Items Index (A-Z)
• What's New

• Test Your Knowledge on the section you have just completed
• navigate through all the demonstrations in the order above (recommended for new users)
• return to the Help Menu
• return to the Front Page of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

Once you have completed the demonstrations, there are two quizzes to check your understanding of the help pages and the navigation options:

• Knowledge Check of the Help pages
• Navigation Exercises

The content of these demonstrations is for training purposes only and therefore may not match the current content of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

Please refer to the Main Menu for the latest version of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

• How to Read an NHS Data Model and Dictionary Change Request
• NHS Data Model and Dictionary Components

How to use the Demonstrations

• Playback Control bar

The Playback Control bar appears at the bottom of every page. Titles for the controls will appear when you hover over them.
The controls are explained below:

• Rewind:  This control allows you to rewind back to the beginning of the demonstration
  

•    Play / Pause:  This control allows you to play or pause a demonstration
  • 
    
• Back:  This control allows you to 'rewind' a demonstration at specific intervals
  • 
    
• Forward:  This control allows you to go forward in a demonstration at specific intervals
  • 
    
• Fast Forward:  This control allows you to fast forward through the demonstration
  • 
    
•     Audio On / Off:  This control allows you to turn the audio on or off
  • 
    
•  Closed Captioning:  If you do not have access to a PC with sound then you can view the closed caption by clicking on the CC button.

Please note:

• you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support or e-Learning lead for further information.
• if you have problems viewing the demonstrations (i.e. screen size), contact your organisation's technical support or e-Learning lead for advice.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Help Pages

If you need help using the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, access the Help pages.

Welcome to the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Help Pages

• This page provides a list of all NHS Data Model and Dictionary help pages.
• All the pages listed below can also be accessed from the menu in the left hand frame.
• The help pages have three icons which are a visual prompt to indicate that there is a hyperlink.

Please note that the icons are not hyperlinks.

ITEM NAME

DESCRIPTION

NAVIGATION

HELP

DEMONSTRATIONS

•  Help Menu

There are many ways to navigate the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.  Below are examples of how to access the information you require and the links to find out more about them: 

• Search

If you can't find the item you are looking for there are alternative ways of locating it.
Quick and Advanced Search Facilities allow for a general text search.

• Data Collections

If you are you are interested in the reporting requirements for a specific healthcare area, Data Sets are a useful starting point. For example, organisations interested in reporting Mental Health activity may choose to navigate to the relevant definitions by accessing the Data Collections option.

• All Items Index (A-Z)

This lists all the items in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary in alphabetical order.

• Data Model Components

If you want to understand the standards in relation to a specific area of healthcare, for example, a Referral Request, you can access:

• Classes; which provide a definition of a Referral Request
• Attributes; which detail the information recorded for a Referral Request
• Diagrams; which detail the Classes, Key Attributes and Relationships relevant to a Referral Request.

• What's New

If you are looking for a recently incorporated information standard or are looking for a specific ISN/DSCN/ DDCN number, the What's New page shows the Information Standard Notices, Data Set Change Notices and Data Dictionary Change Notices that have been incorporated into each release of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.
It also provides hyperlinks to each associated Information Standard Notice, Data Set Change Notice and Data Dictionary Change Notice.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Help Pages

If you need help using the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, access the Help pages.

There are many ways to navigate the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.  Below are examples of how to access the information you require and the links to find out more about them: 

• Search

If you can't find the item you are looking for there are alternative ways of locating it.
Quick and Advanced Search Facilities allow for a general text search.

• Data Collections

If you are you are interested in the reporting requirements for a specific healthcare area, Data Sets are a useful starting point. For example, organisations interested in reporting Mental Health activity may choose to navigate to the relevant definitions by accessing the Data Collections option.

• All Items Index (A-Z)

This lists all the items in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary in alphabetical order.

• Data Model Components

If you want to understand the standards in relation to a specific area of healthcare, for example, a Referral Request, you can access:

• Classes; which provide a definition of a Referral Request
• Attributes; which detail the information recorded for a Referral Request
• Diagrams; which detail the Classes, Key Attributes and Relationships relevant to a Referral Request.

• What's New

If you are looking for a recently incorporated information standard or are looking for a specific ISN/DSCN/DDCN number, the What's New page shows the information standards that have been incorporated into each release of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary. It also provides hyperlinks to the associated Information Standard and Collection (including Extraction) Notice, Data Set Change Notice and Data Dictionary Change Notice.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Help Pages

If you need help using the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, access the Help pages.

The Related DSCN/ISN page shows which Information Standard Notice, Data Set Change Notice or Data Dictionary Change Notice made changes to an item.

The Related DSCN/ISN page can be found at the top right hand side under the Quick Search box on every page.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on the Related DSCN/ISN page, see the Related DSCN/ISN Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

The Related DDCN/DSCN/ISN page shows which Data Dictionary Change Notice (DDCN), Data Set Change Notice (DSCN) or Information Standard and Collection (including Extraction) Notice (ISCE) made changes to an item.

The Related DDCN/DSCN/ISN page can be found at the top right hand side under the Quick Search box on every page.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on the Related DDCN/DSCN/ISN page, see the Related DDCN/DSCN/ISN Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

There are two search facilities in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary:

• Quick Search Facility

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary has a quick search facility to allow a general text search. This is available on all pages.

• Advanced Search

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary has an Advanced search facility which is only available on the front page. The Advanced Search allows you to search by item. 

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the Advanced Search or Main Menu to access the quick search.

• 
  
•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on the Search Facilities, see the Search Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

There are two search facilities in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary:

• Quick Search Facility

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary has a quick search facility to allow a general text search. This is available on all pages.

• Advanced Search

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary has an Advanced search facility. The Advanced Search allows you to search by item.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the Advanced Search or Main Menu to access the quick search.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on the Search Facilities, see the Search Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

   Test Your Knowledge

A number of short Demonstrations are available which will take you through each component, step by step, in an easy to understand screen capture including a voice over and readable captions.
You can access the Demonstrations from the help pages, they are indicated by this icon .

Please note that the information contained in the demonstrations was correct at the time of publication.

At the end of each demonstration, you can choose where you want to go next, you can either:

• Test Your Knowledge on the section you have just completed
• navigate through all the demonstrations in the order above (recommended for new users)
• return to the Help Menu
• return to the Front Page of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

The Test Your Knowledge section provides 3 questions on each of the Demonstrations to check your understanding of the subject:

• Classes
• Attributes
• Data Elements
• Data Collections
• NHS Business Definitions
• Supporting Information
• Diagrams
• Related DDCN/DSCN/ISN
• Search
• All Items Index (A-Z)
• What's New

Once you have completed the Demonstrations and Test Your Knowledge, there are two quizzes to check your understanding of the help pages and the navigation options:

• Knowledge Check of the Help pages
• Navigation Exercises

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

•   Help Pages

If you need help using the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, access the Help pages.

The What's New page shows the Information Standards and Collections (including Extractions) (ISCEs) that have been incorporated into each release of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

The associated Information Standard and Collection (including Extraction) Notice, Data Set Change Notice and Data Dictionary Change Notice can be accessed by selecting the hyperlink.

It is important to note that the Information Standard and Collection (including Extraction) Notice implementation date determines when it will be published in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.
Information Standards and Collections (including Extractions) Notices not yet incorporated into the NHS Data Model and Dictionary are still approved standards.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View What's New in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on What's New, see the What's New Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.

The What's New page shows the Information Standards and Collections (including Extractions) Notices that have been incorporated into each release of the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

The associated Information Standard and Collection (including Extraction) Notice, Data Set Change Notice and Data Dictionary Change Notice can be accessed by selecting the hyperlink.

It is important to note that the Information Standard and Collection (including Extraction) Notice implementation date determines when it will be published in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

Information Standards and Collections (including Extractions) Notices not yet incorporated into the NHS Data Model and Dictionary are still approved standards.

What would you like to do next?

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View What's New in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

•   Demonstrations

For a demonstration on What's New, see the What's New Demonstration.

Please note that you will need flash player to view these demonstrations. If you do not have flash player, contact your organisation's technical support for further information.