Identification Numbers
We use multiple internal numbers to identify patients and patient encoutners.
Serial number
The only number assigned at the data collector level is the serial number, a number assigned manually from a consecutive sequence managed by each individual unit where data is collected. This means the serial number is unique at the unit level, but not across our data.
Wrongly entered serial numbers
Sometimes the wrong serial number gets assigned to a patient. Due to the way HanDBase uses the serial number to relate records in different tables, serial numbers can not be changed once a patient has been entered into the PDA. If a serial number is changed, some or all of the related records such as diagnoses may go missing.
If the serial number is a duplicate of an existing or earlier serial, take down the data you entered for that patient on paper, delete the patient, and re-enter the patient with the correct serial number.
If the serial number has jumped ahead, e.g. you were at serial 900 and accidentally entered 1901 for the next patient, you can continue collecting with that number. You would need to assign further numbers accordingly, i.e. the next patient would be 1902. There will be a gap in your serial numbers, so let Pagasa know so she will not need to confirm with you that this is no error. If you realize the error when you are just starting to enter a patient, it might be easier to start over than to have to communicate about the gap.
Study Number
A study number that is unique across the entire dataset is generated when the data is appended to Ed's database. The study number is unique across the entire data set.
Index Number
" There was some discussion on index # as Julie uses this when compiling data related to the apache score. "
Discussion
The above is as per minutes from a meeting... what is the index number, and how is it used?
Encounter Number
"Definition of encounter # to be number of admissions to the database of the same patient. "
Discussion
The above is as per minutes from a meeting... what is the encounter number, and how is it used?