Create New Reference Set in an Extension

Create New Reference Set in an Extension

Purpose

Reference sets can be added in an extension to meet specific national or local requirements. Reasons for adding a reference set include:

• Specifying a subset of components for inclusion or exclusion

• Mapping between SNOMED CT and other code systems to support data integration or communication

• Specifying the acceptability of descriptions in a given language or dialect

For more information about a range of purposes for reference sets, please refer to the .

When creating a new reference set it is important that the reference set metadata concept (which identifies and names the reference set) and the associated reference set members belongs to a module of the reference set producer. I.e. if a reference set is created as part of an extension, the reference set metadata concept should belong to a module within the namespace of the extension producer.

All reference sets follow a logical model. Each reference set type is represented by a specific data structure which enables a specific functionality. SNOMED International specifies a set of reference set types, which can be used to support a set of terminology management purposes. SNOMED CT Members (National Release Centers) and Affiliates may also create reference sets to assist with localization and effective implementation of SNOMED CT. In general, an extension producer can create a reference set within their extension, but the reference set type should be defined in either

• The producers extension

• The International Edition

• Other extensions (which the producers extension modules are dependent on)

For more information about the different reference set types and their data structures, please refer to the .

Please note that for all reference sets, there should be guidance on what is possible and what is not possible. For some International reference sets, it is acceptable and even required to add extension rows to the International reference set. For example, the Module Dependency Refset, the MRCM Module Scope Refset, and Language Refset. This is not necessarily applicable to all reference sets. Over time, further guidance in this area will be developed.

The table below provides a summary of the process to follow when creating a new reference set.

Define the reference set in the metadata hierarchy Following steps should be taken for creating the reference set concept:

Define the reference set Attributes within the metadata hierarchy

Add new concepts for each of the reference set member attributes, if necessary. If the reference set attributes describing the pattern are adequate to describe the reference set's attributes, then these can be used instead. You may add new concepts for some of the attributes, and reuse existing concepts for other attributes, if you wish.

Create the Descriptor for the reference set

If the reference set does not follow an existing reference set pattern, the additional attributes specific for this customized reference set should be included in the .

Add members to the reference set

Reference set members are added to the reference set, which includes specifying the attribute values for each reference set member, see .

For additional information, see the practical guide to reference sets: How to create a new Reference Set using an existing pattern