Distinction between Observation and QuestionnaireAnswers unclear

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    • Type: Change Request
    • Resolution: Persuasive with Modification
    • Priority: Medium
    • FHIR Core (FHIR)
    • DSTU1 [deprecated]
    • Patient Care
    • QuestionnaireResponse
    • 4.27.2
    • Hide

      Will add the following paragraph to 4.26.5.1:

      It is entirely possible for data to exist in both QuestionnaireAnswers and in other resources. For example, data may be captured in QuestionnaireAnswers as part of an intake questionnaire. That data may then be propagated into the Patient resource (demographics), FamilyMemberHistory, AllergyIntolerance, MedicationStatement and Observation resources to allow the data to be queried and analyzed. The original QuestionnaireAnswers instance can be retained for traceability purposes. For example, if a questionnaire question asks "what is your weight", that can then result in the creation of an Observation with the appropriate Observation.code and the specified answer as the Observation.valueQuantity.

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      Will add the following paragraph to 4.26.5.1: It is entirely possible for data to exist in both QuestionnaireAnswers and in other resources. For example, data may be captured in QuestionnaireAnswers as part of an intake questionnaire. That data may then be propagated into the Patient resource (demographics), FamilyMemberHistory, AllergyIntolerance, MedicationStatement and Observation resources to allow the data to be queried and analyzed. The original QuestionnaireAnswers instance can be retained for traceability purposes. For example, if a questionnaire question asks "what is your weight", that can then result in the creation of an Observation with the appropriate Observation.code and the specified answer as the Observation.valueQuantity.
    • Russell/Laura: 10-0-1
    • Clarification
    • Non-substantive
    • Yes
    • DSTU1 [deprecated]

      While I appriciate the work of crafting the section in question. The text does not clearly define when an Observation versus a QuestionnaireAnswer should be used. Is there any constraint available to enforce use of Observation when "capturing data elements that are "true" observations - lab measurements, vital signs, social assessments, etc."? If not, the documentation should clarify the resulting problems for data analysis that can occur if consistency is not ensured. Is it possible to have a questionareAnswer simply directly reference or use an Observation, so QuestionnaireAnswer is only used when and existing Observation can not be used?

            Assignee:
            Unassigned
            Reporter:
            Rob McClure
            Rob McClure
            Watchers:
            1 Start watching this issue

              Created:
              Updated:
              Resolved: