Help and guidance

The NHS Data Model and Dictionary is modelled using the following convention and naming:

• Data Sets are a group of Data Elements that are required to support business analysis. Data Sets are built from a series of Data Elements and, optionally, groups of data elements.
• Data Elements are a specialised use of Attributes for use within the context of the Data Set. For example they may display default codes applicable to a specific Data Element, to handle circumstances where data are not available.
• Attributes describe the properties of Classes and provide common data definitions for classes. For example, NHS NUMBER is an Attribute of the Class Patient.
• Classes describe aspects of the health and care business with their significant characteristics through their Attributes and their relationships to other Classes.
• NHS Business Definitions describe, for example, an aspect of NHS activity, clinical process, supporting definition etc. that is specific to a Class.
• Supporting Information is not a part of the NHS Data Model but provides additional context to help users understand the NHS Data Model and Dictionary.
• Retired items are not included in the current definitions but are listed in the All Items Index.