Top Things to Know: 2011 Key Data Elements and Definitions of a Base Cardiovascular Vocabulary for Electronic

Published: June 06, 2011

  1. Establishment of a consistent, interoperable, and universal clinical vocabulary is a foundation for both clinical care and clinical research.
  2. It is hoped that promotion of widespread use of EHRs will facilitate the exchange of data across systems through harmonized elements.
  3. These elements and definitions could facilitate further development of clinical registries, quality- and performance-improvement programs.
  4. Clinical definitions are repeated verbatim, where possible, from existing registries and quality improvement programs, including AHA’s Get With The Guidelines®.
  5. These 99 definitions could help improve outcomes evaluations and clinical research, including the comparison of results within and across initiatives.
  6. The section on History and Physical Examination includes 37 data fields and related definitions.
  7. There are 11 laboratory results elements, including data fields and definitions.
  8. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures contains 29 data fields and related definitions.
  9. There are 20 data elements for pharmacological therapy.
  10. The table on outcomes includes 2 data elements related to mortality.