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 web pages 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 web pages contains information, such as:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Policies etc.

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•  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 Orange
• NHS Business Definitions, Supporting Definitions and Supporting Information are shown in Blue.

There is an "arrow” on each page which takes you back to the top of the "All Items Index" page.

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

An Attribute is the detailed information that describes a Class, for example, NHS NUMBER is an Attribute of the Class PATIENT.

Each Attribute:

• Name is in UPPERCASE and where the name appears in text in PURPLE, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the definition for that Attribute.

The following information is available on an Attribute:

• "Description": a definition of the Attribute which provides hyperlinks to other related definitions. It may contain National Codes.
• 
  
• "Where Used": every item where the Attribute is used within the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.
• 
  
• "Data Elements": the Data Elements based on the Attribute.

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View Attributes in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

It contains Data Sets and associated definitions which have been approved by the Information Standards Board for Health and Social Care, Standardisation Committee for Care Information or Data Coordination Board. The information will be of interest to professionals and ORGANISATIONS that work within Health and Social Care, along with suppliers of electronic systems and services.

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

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•   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. For further information, see Data Modelling.

A Class is something that you want to describe and the Attributes define the detail for the Class.

For example, the APPOINTMENT Class in the NHS Data Model describes an arrangement for a PATIENT to be seen by a CARE PROFESSIONAL.
The detail for the Class is defined by its Attributes, for example APPOINTMENT DATE, ATTENDED OR DID NOT ATTEND etc.
For further information on Attributes, see Attributes.

Each Class:

• Name is in UPPERCASE and where the name appears in text in RED, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the definition for that Class.

The following information is available on a Class:

• "Description": a definition of the Class which provides hyperlinks to other related definitions.
• 
  
• "Attributes": the Attributes which are associated with that Class.
  • A Key or a set of keys uniquely identifies an instance of a Class.
  • The K before the Attribute name indicates that this is a key attribute of the Class.
  • Attributes are sequenced with the key Attributes first.
• 
  
• "Relationships": the Relationship between Classes.
  • Description:
    • The nature of the Relationship is indicated by:
      • 'must be' if the Relationship is mandatory and
      • 'may be' if the Relationship is optional.
    • Where Relationships from one Class to others are mutually exclusive, then 'or' appears at the beginning of the description between the second and subsequent exclusive Relationships.
  • Keys:
    • A Key Relationship uniquely identifies an instance of a Class.
    • Key Relationships are indicated by K before the relationship description.
    • Relationships are sequenced with the key Relationships first.
• 
  
• "Where Used": every item where the Class is used within the NHS Data Model and Dictionary. 

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View Classes in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary..

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 Orange, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the Data Set.

The following information is available on a Commissioning Data Set:

• "Overview": provides information relating to the type of Commissioning Data Set.
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• "Specification":
  • 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.

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.

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

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:

• 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":
  • A definition of the Data Element which provides hyperlinks to other related definitions
  • 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.
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• Format/Length:
  • 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.
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• National Codes:
  • The National Codes for the Data Element
  • If there are no agreed National Codes, there will be no National Codes section.
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• 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, there will be no Default Codes section.

• "Where Used": every item where the Data Element is used within the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.
• 
  
• "Attribute": 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.
  • Some Data Elements are derived from other items, for example, AGE ON ADMISSION is a derived item and is not linked to an Attribute.

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View Data Elements in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

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.

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.

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•   Help Pages

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

A Data Set, also known as a Data Collection, is a group of Data Elements that are required to support business analysis.

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. A description of each type of data set can be found by hovering over the item name.

Each Data Set name is in Title Case.

Where the name of a Data Set in text is Orange, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the Data Set.

The following information is available on a Data Set:

• "Overview": provides information relating to the type of Data Set.
• 
  
• "Specification":
  • This displays 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.

•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View Data Sets in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

To navigate to a Data Set:

• Click on the Data Set on the top menu to display the relevant Data Set menu
• Click on the Data Set name to display the Data Set.

 For more information on Data Sets, see the Data Sets Help.

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

•  Help Menu

If you would like to:

• know more about us or need help using the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, see the Help pages
• view our Frequently Asked Questions, see Frequently Asked Questions.

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary provides a reference point for approved Information Standards Notices to support health care activities within the NHS in England. It has been developed for everyone who is actively involved in the collection of data and the management of information in the NHS.

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary is maintained and published by the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service and all changes are governed by the Data Coordination Board (DCB) process. Changes are published as Information Standards Notices (ISN) and Data Dictionary Change Notices (DDCN).

If you would like to view our Frequently Asked Questions, see Frequently Asked Questions.

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary provides a reference point for approved Information Standards Notices to support health care activities within the NHS in England. It has been developed for everyone who is actively involved in the collection of data and the management of information in the NHS.

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary is maintained and published by the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service and all changes are governed by the Data Coordination Board (DCB) process. Changes are published as Information Standards Notices (ISN) and Data Dictionary Change Notices (DDCN).

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service operates a Mailing List service, which is specifically designed to make users aware of NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service products, such as:

• New NHS Data Model and Dictionary releases;
• Proposed changes to the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

To subscribe to the mailing list, please send an email to information.standards@nhs.net, with 'NHS Data Model and Dictionary Mailing List' in the subject field. 

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•   Help Pages

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

The Data Coordination Board (DCB) agreed an end to end process for the development of Information Standards and Collections (including Extractions) from 1 April 2017.

NHS Digital manages this process on behalf of the Data Coordination Board (DCB).

Information relating to Data Coordination Board activity can be found on the NHS Digital website at: Data Coordination Board.

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•  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.
The Search facility allows for a general text search.

• Data Sets

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 Sets 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.

• 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 Standards Notice, Data Set Change Notice and Data Dictionary Change Notice.

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•  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 text for each NHS Business Definition starts by identifying which Class is used and is followed by a description of the item.

Each NHS Business Definition name is distinguished from Classes, Attributes and Data Elements by appearing in Title Case rather than UPPERCASE (see the example below) and where the name appears in text in Blue, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the definition for that NHS Business Definition.

An example of an NHS Business Definition is a Hospital Provider Spell, which is related to the Class ACTIVITY GROUP.

The following information is available on an NHS Business Definition:

• "Description": a definition of the NHS Business Definition which provides hyperlinks to other related definitions.

• "Where Used": every item where the NHS Business Definition is used within the NHS Data Model and Dictionary. 

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•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View NHS Business Definitions in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

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

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•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

Access the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Main Menu.

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

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•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

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

Before you contact the Information Standards Service Desk, please attempt to resolve your NHS Data Model and Dictionary query by one of the following means:

• Viewing our Frequently Asked Questions
• Searching the NHS Data Model and Dictionary

For queries submitted to the Information Standards Service Desk, please email information.standards@nhs.net.

The subject of your email should read 'NHS Data Model and Dictionary Query'. Please include your:

• Full name
• Job title
• Telephone number
• Organisation
• A full description of your query with a suggested resolution.

You should expect to receive a response within 6 working days from the day when your request was originally received by the NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service.

After receiving a response you will be asked to complete a customer satisfaction survey, this is your opportunity to rate the quality of our NHS Data Model and Dictionary Service and the quality of the response you received.

•  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.

Supporting Definitions provide information to help users understand content in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

Each Supporting  Definition name is distinguished from Classes, Attributes and Data Elements by appearing in Title Case rather than UPPERCASE (see the example below) and where the name appears in text in Blue, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the definition for that NHS Business Definition.

An example of a Supporting Definition is an Information Standards Notice.

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•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View Supporting Definitions in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

Supporting Information provides additional information to help users understand and use the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

Each Supporting Information name is distinguished from Classes, Attributes and Data Elements by appearing in Title Case rather than UPPERCASE (see the example below) and where the name appears in text in Blue, it indicates that it is a hyperlink and if clicked on will display the definition for that Supporting Information.

An example of Supporting Information is Organisation Data Service Default Codes.

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•  NHS Data Model and Dictionary Content

View Supporting Information in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

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

The associated Information Standards 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 Standards Notice implementation date determines when it will be published in the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.

Information Standards Notices not yet incorporated into the NHS Data Model and Dictionary are still approved standards.

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