WELFORD CHART NOTES
NEWSLETTER
Volume 18, No. 3 March, 2001
copyright 2001, Welford Medical Computing, Inc. All rights reserved
WHAT IS THE SQL VERSION?
In January, we released the new SQL version of Welford Chart Notes. We thought it would be helpful to our users to answer some of the questions they might have about this version.
What is SQL?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. This language is understood by most standardized database programs on the market (like Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, and many others). It allows users to find any information that is stored in the database.
What is the SQL Version?
The SQL version is a version of Welford Chart Notes that stores and reads all patient data (such as notes, allergies, medications, diagnoses, lab results, orders, referrals, etc.) in a SQL database called Microsoft SQL Server, instead of storing this information it its own files in the \CHART directory (like NOTE.FIL). Thus, all patient information is immediately available to anyone on the network who is running Microsoft SQL Server and who has password access to that data.
Do I have to learn new commands to run the SQL version?
No. We have kept the menus, windows, dialogs, and other aspects of the user interface identical between the 32-bit version and the SQL version. For example, to write a note in either version, you press Write\New Note.
Do I have to buy new software to run the SQL Version?
Yes. To run the SQL version, you have to purchase the SQL version of Welford Chart Notes from MEDCOM. You must also purchase Microsoft SQL Server, either from MEDCOM or from another source. We also recommend that you purchase installation and training from MEDCOM on the SQL version.
Can I transfer my data from the 32-Bit Version to the SQL Version?
Yes. Here are the steps involved:
1. Install Microsoft SQL Server on your network.
2. Create a database inside Microsoft SQL Server to hold your Welford Chart Notes data. (For example, inside Microsoft SQL Server, use Tools\Wizards\Database\Create Database Wizard; or right click on the Databases folder and choose New Database).
3. Start Welford Chart Notes 32-Bit.
4. Press Links\SQL Exporter.
5. Click the New Database button.
6. For Database Name, fill in the name of the database you used when you created it in step 2.
7. For Alias Name, make up a name by which you want to refer to the database. (This can be the same or different from the Database Name).
8. For Server Name, enter "localhost" if a local machine, or else the name of the server on your network. Press Ok.
9. Back in the SQL Exporter, choose for Database Name the Alias Name you just specified in step 7.
10. Pick the files you wish to export to Microsoft SQL Server. In general, you should simply press the All button and send all of the files at once. (If you omit any files, they won't be available to you when you start using the SQL version. You will have to use the SQL Exporter a second time in order to get those files transferred).
11. Press Export to start the Export process. Note that this process can take many hours, depending upon the speed of your hardware and the amount of data you have stored. You will generally want to run this process overnight so that you have the data available for use the next morning.
The SQL Exporter exports all patient data files to the SQL version so you do not lose access to any of your data. Program files are actually identical in both versions and are not stored in the SQL database. (For example, the files of drug interactions, alerts, program Weblinks, program brochures, etc. are stored as the same files in both versions, such as INTERACT.FIL, and are not stored in Microsoft SQL Server at all).
Does the SQL Version run slower than the 32-bit Version?
No, depending upon the speed of your hardware and network. In some instances, the SQL version runs faster, especially when searching through large amounts of data, because SQL is faster and more efficient at this task. On the other hand, in certain tasks, the SQL Version may be slightly slower, but for most users using modern hardware, this will not be discernible.
Why should I upgrade to the SQL Version?
There are many reasons to upgrade.
·
The SQL Version is more robust. Microsoft SQL Server is designed not to lose your data, even if your computer crashes. All changes made to the database are first stored in a Transaction Log, then moved to the actual database. If the computer crashes in the middle, when the computer is restarted, Microsoft SQL Server picks up where it left off in the Transaction Log.·
The SQL Version provides better performance for larger installations with multiple users, because of the performance benefits of Microsoft SQL Server.·
The SQL Version allows you to query your patient information in any way you wish, using any standard query tool. You can also create customized reports about any item of information you have stored. This is much more flexible than the Generic Report Generator and Rule Reminders for analyzing your practice.·
The SQL Version can handle larger numbers of data items in its tables.·
Because SQL is an industry standard, you can readily transfer data to and from your Welford Chart Notes databases and other programs that use SQL.Can I run the 32-Bit Version and the SQL Version on the same network at the same time?
Although this is technically possible, we do not recommend doing so. Patient data are stored in different places in these two versions. However, you can use the Attache to transfer changes from one program to the other. For example, you might have the SQL Version stored on your server at the office, and the 32-bit version on your laptop. By activating the Attache on each product, you can add the changes made while away using your laptop back to the server, and use the server's Attache to update the changes made on the server back to the laptop.
How can I get the SQL Version?
Contact MEDCOM Information Systems. We are happy to answer any other questions you might have.
NEWS ON UPCOMING VERSIONS We are continuing to add new features to version 4.0. One new feature, Algorithms, let you design your own (or import our) algorithms which aid in decision-making for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Please let us know of any suggestions you have for new features for version 4.0.SEND US YOUR TIPS
If you have tips, shortcuts, questions, or suggestions for future newsletter topics, please send them to us at:Welford Medical Computing, Inc.
3779 Hermitage Trail
Rockford, IL 61114
or
MEDCOM Information Systems, Inc.
2117 Stonington Avenue
Hoffman Estates, IL 60195
http://medcom19@idt.net