New dictionary of standardised codes for medicines and devices launched for IT use
Different computer systems now have the means of exchanging clinical information following the launch of a new dictionary of standardised codes for medicines and devices across the NHS on 1 April.
The NHS Information Standards Board has approved the dictionary of medicines
and devices, known as the dm+d, as the standard reference across the
NHS. The dm+d provides a unique code and a textual description for each
medicine or device. It is integrated with the standard clinical terminology
for health care IT systems, known as SNOMED (Systemised Nomenclature
of Medicine).
The introduction of the dm+d means that, for the first time, the different
computer systems used within the NHS will be able to exchange clinical
information using these codes. The dm+d will underpin the National Programme
for IT including electronic transfer of prescriptions and the NHS care
records service.
The dm+d was produced by the Prescription Pricing Authority and the NHS
Information Authority. It is an extension of the Primary Care Drug Dictionary
produced by the PPA in 2002. The dm+d will be available to data suppliers
online and be updated weekly. |
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