Re: [Hardhats-members] Configurability of fields in FileMan

[Kevin Toppenberg]

I wouldn't do that.  Yes, you could change the database parameters so that other numbers could be stored in it.  But then you have to think about every single application already written that might access that datafield.  What assumptions have been made about the length of the number.  If it was suddenly a different format, would one of those programs break?  I don't know, and without careful research it would be difficult to know.

I think it would be better to simply add a new data field, or use the one set up by the IHS.

 

Kevin

Nancy Anthracite <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Could you please address the poison in a little more detail, starting with the
part of not using field. Could you reassign the name of the field and change
the length, for instance, for the SS number to create the patient record
number that would continue to function properly?

On Tuesday 19 April 2005 10:33 am, Richard G. DAVIS wrote:
> The design of the VistA system anticipated the requirement to create new
> data elements (fields) indefinitely into the future. VistA provide for a
> formal method of allowing for the addition of data elements without adverse
> impact. It is, however, a matter for competent (master craftsman)
> personnel.
>
> Likewise, the underlying M(UMPS) technology does not carry a penalty for
> the presence of unused data elements in the database.
>
> There is, unfortunately, no easy remedy for the problem of how new data
> elements appear in the application software dialogs and processing there
> of. The presence of unwanted dialog related to data elements not being
> used, such as SSN, is also an significant problem to be overcome.
>
> Any existing system that presents the difficulties about which you are
> asking, Mark, will require some substantial investment to adapt to your
> specific circumstances.
>
> The question is: Which SET OF PROBLEMS to you want to be working on?
>
> Choose your poison, Mark. ...but, drink some poison you must. :-)
>
> Regards,
>
> Richard.
>
> > From: "Mark Painter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > Organization: Mark Painter
> > Reply-To: hardhats-members@lists.sourceforge.net
> > Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 14:06:04 +0200
> > To:
> > Subject: [Hardhats-members] Configurability of fields in FileMan
> >
> > I am new to Vista; have installed Cache and Vista, and it seems to be
> > running OK. What I'd like to know is how easy it is to configure Vista
> > tables; for example, we would not need SSN, VA numbers, combat service
> > location etc for patients but we might need other fields which aren't
> > present in the system 'off the shelf'.
> >
> > Would we need to 'redesign' the patient table(s) - this is likely to
> > impact on many areas of other tables/forms - and then redesign the
> > forms?
> >
> > I'm a Pediatrician in a government hospital in South Africa, have
> > programmed in VB and Perl. It is a shame to waste scarce resources ($)
> > on commercial software if one can modify one of, if not The, most
> > successful HIS so far.
> >
> > Mark Painter
> & gt; East London
> > South Africa
> >
> > --
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> >
> >
> >
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--
Nancy Anthracite


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