Dictionary Design for Clinical Data Management

Abstract

A discussion is presented of the ways in which an appropriate dictionary design can extend the capabilities of a clinical data management system. The data management objectives of data collection, organization, and reporting are examined as they relate to five elements of dictionary design: terminology selection; vocabulary organization; coding schemes; table generation and query support; and dictionary maintenance. Dictionary design is viewed as a process of resolving conflicts between system objectives and the practicalities of implementation. A description is given of the way in which these considerations were developed into design criteria for a clinical data dictionary used by Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories (MSDRL).