Data dictionaries - What do they have to do with Public Health?

Abstract

While various types of technologies continue to diffuse throughout the health and welfare sectors, there is one in particular that is ubiquitous - the electronic database. Large databases are generally designed by information technology professionals with input from the health or welfare professional. However, whether large or small, an electronic database must have a data dictionary that is current and ideally derived from standards. This will avoid ambiguities and time consuming efforts which affect on precious resources. © 2008 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2008 Public Health Association of Australia.