Question

How can SNOMED CT help in creating a data dictionary?

Answer 1

Snomed CT is a comprehensive, multilingual, and computer organized collection of medical terminologies which includes codes, terms, definition, synonyms used for clinical documentation in Electronic Health Record (EHR). The primary aim of Snomed CT is to improve patient care by encoding the terms used in health information and improve the documentation of clinical data.

• Snomed CT covers the following data: clinical findings, diagnosis, symptoms, body structures, laboratory tests, procedures, etiologies, pharmaceuticals, devices, and specimens.
• Snomed CT allows to store, retrieve and aggregate clinical findings across specialties and in different locations for further reference in patient care.
• The data saved in Snomed reduces or avoids the repeating of health history by the patient to the healthcare provider at different encounters.
• Use of common terminologies and the electronic documentation reduces errors and helps to ensure a standard and effective patient care.
• Snowmed CT can also be mapped to other international classification and standards such as ICD.

Therefore Snowmed CT can be used in creating a data dictionary.