Explain the correlation of data elements, data sets, databases, indices, data mapping, and data warehousing.
- Discuss the difference between data and information. 10 points
- Discuss an example of a data element and how those correlate into a data set. Give an example of a data set to show how the data element correlates. 10 points
- Describe the difference between a relational database and an object-oriented database. How does a data element or data set play a role in a database? 15 points
- Describe the master patient index(MPI). What is the purpose? What data elements are included? How long is the MPI kept? 15 points
Full Answer Section
Data Elements and Data Sets:
- Data Element: The smallest individual unit of data that has a specific meaning. (e.g., "Customer Name", "Age", "Car Color")
- Data Set: A collection of related data elements grouped together to represent a specific entity or concept. (e.g., A customer data set might include data elements like "Customer Name", "Address", "Phone Number", "Email", etc.)
Example:
Data Elements:
- Customer ID
- First Name
- Last Name
- Email Address
Data Set (Customer Table):
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- Relational vs. Object-Oriented Databases:
- Relational Database: Stores data in tables with rows and columns. Data elements are organized based on predefined relationships between tables. (e.g., Customer table linked to an Order table)
- Object-Oriented Database: Stores data objects that encapsulate both data and the operations that can be performed on that data. Offers more flexibility for complex data structures.
Role of Data Elements/Sets:
- Data elements are the building blocks of both relational and object-oriented databases.
- Data sets form the foundation of tables in relational databases and objects in object-oriented databases.
- Master Patient Index (MPI):
- Purpose: Uniquely identify individual patients across different healthcare systems to ensure accurate and coordinated care. It acts like a central hub.
- Data Elements: Includes demographic information like name, date of birth, address, and unique identifiers (e.g., Social Security number - following privacy regulations). May also include additional clinical data.
- Retention: MPI records are typically maintained indefinitely to ensure long-term patient identification and care coordination.
By understanding these data structures and their relationships, we can efficiently manage and utilize information for various purposes.