The following are some of the concepts of Database Management System
(DBMS):
i. Entity:
An entity is a real-world object or concept about which data is stored in a database. In healthcare,
examples include patients, health records, clinics, or staff.
ii. Attribute:
Attributes are the properties or characteristics of an entity. For a patient entity, attributes may
include name, date of birth, gender, or medical diagnosis.
iii. Records:
A record is a collection of related data fields (attributes) that typically describes one instance of
an entity. For example, a single patient's medical file is a record.
iv. File:
A file is a collection of records stored together. In a health setting, a patient file may include
multiple records such as diagnoses, lab reports, and visit summaries.
v. Database Architecture:
This refers to the design structure of a database system and includes how data is stored,
processed, and accessed. Common architectures include 1-tier, 2-tier, and 3-tier
architectures.
vi. Database Model:
A database model defines how data is organized, related, and manipulated. Common models
include relational, hierarchical, network, and object-oriented models.
vii. Relationship:
A relationship shows how entities are connected. For instance, a doctor–patient relationship
shows that one doctor may treat many patients (one-to-many).
viii. Cardinality:
Cardinality refers to the number of instances of one entity that can be associated with another.
E.g., a patient can have multiple appointments (one-to-many cardinality).
ix. Degree:
The degree of a relationship refers to the number of entities involved. A binary relationship
involves two entities (e.g., doctor and patient).
x. Database Schema:
This is the overall logical design or blueprint of a database, including tables, relationships,
views, indexes, etc. It serves as the foundation for database structure.
Components of a Database System:
1. Hardware:
The physical devices such as servers, storage drives, and networking equipment.
2. Software:
Includes the DBMS software (e.g., Oracle, MySQL) and the application programs that
interact with the database.
3. Data:
Raw facts and figures stored in the database (e.g., patient names, lab test results, etc.).
4. Users:
o Database Administrators (DBAs): Oversee and manage the database.
o End Users: Nurses, doctors, HIM personnel using the system.
o Application Developers: Build software applications for accessing data.
5. Procedures:
Documented policies and instructions for managing and using the database system
effectively.
Limitations of Traditional File Management Systems:
1. Data Redundancy:
Repeated and inconsistent data stored in different locations.
2. Lack of Data Integrity and Security:
Hard to enforce consistency and protection across decentralized files.
3. Difficulty in Data Access and Sharing:
Poor support for concurrent multi-user access and reporting.
Concept of Database and Management System:
Database:
An organized collection of structured data stored electronically, designed for easy access,
retrieval, and updating.
Database Management System (DBMS):
A software tool that manages databases by allowing users to define, manipulate, retrieve,
and secure data effectively.
Benefits of Database Management System to Modern Healthcare Delivery:
1. Centralized Data Access:
All departments access a single source of truth for patient information.
2. Improved Data Accuracy:
Validation rules prevent data entry errors and maintain consistency.
3. Real-time Information Retrieval:
Enables quick decision-making in emergencies and patient care.
4. Better Security & Confidentiality:
Patient data is protected using access controls and encryption.
5. Supports Health Data Analytics:
Facilitates epidemiological research, disease surveillance, and performance reporting.
6. Efficient Resource Allocation:
Data insights help allocate resources like staff, beds, and drugs.
7. Integration with Other Systems:
Enables Electronic Health Record (EHR) integration for seamless care delivery.
8. Audit Trails & Compliance:
Ensures compliance with regulations like NHMIS, HIPAA, and others.
Some Functions of DBMS in Relation to Health Information Management:
1. Data Storage Management
2. Data Retrieval
3. Data Security and Privacy Control
4. Backup and Recovery
5. Data Integrity Management
6. Concurrent Access Management
7. Database Communication Interfaces
8. Data Definition and Structuring
9. Query Processing
10. Transaction Management (e.g., admission, discharge, transfer tracking)
Differences between Data and Information Based on the Following Concepts:
Concept Data Information
i. Meaning Raw, unprocessed facts Processed data that has meaning
ii. Nature Unorganized Organized and structured
Directly from input systems (e.g., forms,
iii. Source Derived after processing data
devices)
iv. Format Numbers, codes, symbols Reports, summaries, graphs
Supports decision-making and
v. Usefulness May not be immediately useful
actions
Example:
Data: 110/70, 98.6°F, 120 bpm
Information: Patient’s vital signs are normal
