Mediformatica - The Medical Informatics Portal

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D

Data warehouse

This vast database stores information like a data repository but goes a step further, allowing users to access data to perform research-oriented analyses.

Datum

Any single observation or fact. A medical datum generally can be regarded as the value of a specific parameter (for example, a patient) at a specific time.

Demographic Information

Information concerning population statistics such as birth date, birth place, sex, residence, etc. Collected and used for health care evaluation and planning purposes.

Dental informatics

It is the understanding, skills and tools that enable the sharing and use of information to promote oral health and improve dental practice, research, education and management. It encompasses electronic health records, CAD/CAM technology, diagnostic digital imaging and administrative information for all dentistry disciplines.

DICOM

Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine - A standard which defines protocols for the exchange of medical images and associated information (such as patient identification details and technique information) between instruments, information systems, and health care providers. It establishes a common language that enables medical images produced on one system to be processed and displayed on another. Developed by the ACR/NEMA committee.

Digitize

The process by which analog (continuous value) information is converted into digital (discrete value) information. This process is a necessary function for computer imaging applications because visual information is inherently in analog format and most computers use only digital information.

DRG

Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) is a system to classify hospital cases into one of approximately 500 groups, also referred to as DRGs, expected to have similar hospital resource use, developed for Medicare as part of the prospective payment system. DRGs are assigned by a "grouper" program based on ICD diagnoses, procedures, age, sex, and the presence of complications or comorbidities.

Drug Information System

A computer based system that maintains drug related information, such as information concerning appropriate dosages, side effects, and it may access a Drug Interaction Database. A drug information system may provide by way of a directed consultation, specific advice on the usage of various drugs.

DSM-IV

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version IV - A classification system for mental disorders, developed in the US, released in 1994.

DXPlain

An experimental system of clinical decision support provided by time shared telephone links which was developed at Harvard University Massachusetts General Hospital in the late 1960s. It has its own nomenclature which has been cross referenced with ICD9, QME and HELP in the UMLS Meta-I.

RD Glossary by Run Digital