Stream: cimi
Topic: Multi dimensional sizes
Kurt Allen (Jan 24 2020 at 14:59):
I need to model a numerical value (i.e. size) that can be described as a single dimension (2 cm) or three dimensions (2 x 3 x 4 cm).
I can think of two ways to do this
a) Have a separate ElementDefinition defining each value.
b) Have a single string ElementDefinition that contains one or three digit strings in it (separated by spaces).
i.e. "123.45" or "1.1 2.2 3.3"
a) requires three ElementDefinitions and a (LOINC?) code value to identify each dimension. (i.e. Observation.component.code)
b) requires a single ElementDefinition but is IMHO kinda abusing string by forcing a format on that cant be validated with the current constraint rules.
I also see use cases where this may be used in a range (i.e. a size of 1 x 2 x 3cm to 4 5 6 cm) which makes a) really awkward.
I am leaning to b, but am asking if this problem has already been discussed and/or decided.
Any thoughts?
Last updated: Apr 12 2022 at 19:14 UTC
