SNOMED-CT Theory

Question 1

What is SNOMED-CT?

Answer 1

SNOMED is a structured clinical vocabulary used by clinicians to record information in a patient’s EPR at the point of care. It enables the recording of granular clinical information, facilitates direct care and management of the patient and the sharing of patient information across all healthcare settings.

Question 2

What are the three components of SNOMED-CT?

Answer 2

Concepts
Descriptions
Relationships

Question 3

What is a Concept in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 3

Clinical thoughts, each with a unique numeric identifier

Question 4

What is a Description in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 4

Human readable phrases associated with concepts

Question 5

What is a Relationship in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 5

A link between concepts and other concepts to provide further information

Question 6

What are the five main top-level concepts in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 6

Body Structure
Clinical Finding
Event
Procedure
Situation with explicit context

Question 7

How many top level hierarchies are in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 7

19

Question 8

What are the two forms of relationship in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 8

IS-A
Attribute

Question 9

What is the function of an IS-A relationship in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 9

It organises parent-child hierarchies within the multiple-parent hierarchy of SNOMED-CT

Question 10

What is the function of an Attribute relationship in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 10

It provides a logical definition of a concept

Question 11

What are Classification maps in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 11

Classification maps provide a semi-automated, one-directional link from SNOMED to the classifications. The maps assist coders in the assignment of codes using information in the EPR and are produced in line with rules, principles and standards of the classifications.

Maps present the coder with code(s) derived from the SNOMED concept in the EPR, however their use still requires expert knowledge to ensure appropriate, compliant coding.

Question 12

How many types of classification map occur in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 12

Four

Question 13

What is a Type 1 classification map in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 13

A simple 1-1 map where a concept maps to a single code

Question 14

What is a Type 2 classification map in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 14

A simple 1-many map where a concept maps to multiple codes

Question 15

What is a Type 3 classification map in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 15

A complex map where a single concept maps to a choice of codes

Question 16

What is a Type 4 classification map in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 16

A complex map where a single concept links to a choice of maps

Question 17

What are the two description types in SNOMED-CT?

Answer 17

Expression - the unique clear description of the concept
Relation - allows the same SNOMED-CT concept to be described in different ways

Question 18

Which statuses indicate a concept cannot be mapped and why?

Answer 18

High level concept - lacks sufficient detail

Cannot be classified with available data - classification lacks support for the concept

Eponyms - unsafe to map

Question 19

What are 5 key benefits of SNOMED-CT?

Answer 19

Supporting care and patient pathway management
Supporting and enabling drug alerts
Reduced risk of misinterpretations of a care record
Comprehensive coverage and depth of details of clinical information
Quick and consistent transfer and sharing of clinical information

Question 20

What are 5 key benefits of the use of SNOMED-CT in an EPR?

Answer 20

Supporting care and patient pathway management
Supporting and enabling drug alerts
Reduced risk of misinterpretations of a care record
Comprehensive coverage and depth of details of clinical information
Quick and consistent transfer and sharing of clinical information