Australian Base Implementation Guide (AU Base 1)

This page is part of the Australian Base IG (v1.0.2: AU Base 1 on STU3) based on FHIR R3. This is the current published version in it's permanent home (it will always be available at this URL). For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions

D.4.1.4 StructureDefinition: - Detailed Descriptions

Definitions for the StructureDefinition-au-dosage Profile.

1. Dosage
Definition

Indicates how the medication is/was taken or should be taken by the patient.

Control0..* This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
InvariantsDefined on this element
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (: hasValue() | (children().count() > id.count()))
2. Dosage.id
Definition

unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

Control0..1
Typestring
3. Dosage.extension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. In order to make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

4. Dosage.sequence
Definition

Indicates the order in which the dosage instructions should be applied or interpreted.

Control0..1
Typeinteger
Requirements

If the sequence number of multiple Dosages is the same, then it is implied that the instructions are to be treated as concurrent. If the sequence number is different, then the Dosages are intended to be sequential.

5. Dosage.text
Definition

Free text dosage instructions e.g. SIG.

Control0..1
Typestring
Requirements

Free text dosage instructions can be used for cases where the instructions are too complex to code. The content of this attribute does not include the name or description of the medication. When coded instructions are present, the free text instructions may still be present for display to humans taking or administering the medication. It is expected that the text instructions will always be populated. If the dosage.timing attribute is also populated, then the dosage.text should reflect the same information as the timing.

6. Dosage.additionalInstruction
Definition

Supplemental instruction - e.g. "with meals".

Control0..*
BindingA coded concept identifying additional instructions such as "take with water" or "avoid operating heavy machinery".
For example codes, see SNOMED CT Additional Dosage Instructions
TypeCodeableConcept
Requirements

Additional instruction such as "Swallow with plenty of water" which may or may not be coded.

7. Dosage.additionalInstruction:snomedAdditionalInstruction
Definition

Supplemental instruction - e.g. "with meals".

Control0..*
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from SNOMED CT Additional Dosage Instructions
TypeCodeableConcept
Requirements

Additional instruction such as "Swallow with plenty of water" which may or may not be coded.

8. Dosage.patientInstruction
Definition

Instructions in terms that are understood by the patient or consumer.

Control0..1
Typestring
9. Dosage.timing
Definition

When medication should be administered.

Control0..1
TypeTiming
Requirements

The timing schedule for giving the medication to the patient. The Schedule data type allows many different expressions. For example: "Every 8 hours"; "Three times a day"; "1/2 an hour before breakfast for 10 days from 23-Dec 2011:"; "15 Oct 2013, 17 Oct 2013 and 1 Nov 2013". Sometimes, a rate can imply duration when expressed as total volume / duration (e.g. 500mL/2 hours implies a duration of 2 hours). However, when rate doesn't imply duration (e.g. 250mL/hour), then the timing.repeat.duration is needed to convey the infuse over time period.

Comments

This attribute may not always be populated while the Dosage.text is expected to be populated. If both are populated, then the Dosage.text should reflect the content of the Dosage.timing.

10. Dosage.asNeeded[x]
Definition

Indicates whether the Medication is only taken when needed within a specific dosing schedule (Boolean option), or it indicates the precondition for taking the Medication (CodeableConcept).

Control0..1
BindingA coded concept identifying the precondition that should be met or evaluated prior to consuming or administering a medication dose. For example "pain", "30 minutes prior to sexual intercourse", "on flare-up" etc.
For example codes, see SNOMED CT Medication As Needed Reason Codes
TypeChoice of: boolean, CodeableConcept
[x] NoteSee Choice of Data Types for further information about how to use [x]
Comments

Can express "as needed" without a reason by setting the Boolean = True. In this case the CodeableConcept is not populated. Or you can express "as needed" with a reason by including the CodeableConcept. In this case the Boolean is assumed to be True. If you set the Boolean to False, then the dose is given according to the schedule and is not "prn" or "as needed".

11. Dosage.asNeededCodeableConcept:asNeededCoding
Definition

Indicates whether the Medication is only taken when needed within a specific dosing schedule (Boolean option), or it indicates the precondition for taking the Medication (CodeableConcept).

Control0..1
BindingA coded concept identifying the precondition that should be met or evaluated prior to consuming or administering a medication dose. For example "pain", "30 minutes prior to sexual intercourse", "on flare-up" etc.
For example codes, see SNOMED CT Medication As Needed Reason Codes
TypeCodeableConcept
Comments

Can express "as needed" without a reason by setting the Boolean = True. In this case the CodeableConcept is not populated. Or you can express "as needed" with a reason by including the CodeableConcept. In this case the Boolean is assumed to be True. If you set the Boolean to False, then the dose is given according to the schedule and is not "prn" or "as needed".

12. Dosage.asNeededCodeableConcept:asNeededCoding.id
Definition

unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

Control0..1
Typestring
13. Dosage.asNeededCodeableConcept:asNeededCoding.extension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. In order to make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

14. Dosage.asNeededCodeableConcept:asNeededCoding.coding
Definition

A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

Control0..*
TypeCoding
Requirements

Allows for translations and alternate encodings within a code system. Also supports communication of the same instance to systems requiring different encodings.

Comments

Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

15. Dosage.asNeededCodeableConcept:asNeededCoding.coding:snomedFinding
Definition

A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from https://healthterminologies.gov.au/fhir/ValueSet/clinical-finding-1
TypeCoding
Requirements

Allows for translations and alternate encodings within a code system. Also supports communication of the same instance to systems requiring different encodings.

Comments

Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

16. Dosage.asNeededCodeableConcept:asNeededCoding.text
Definition

A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

Control0..1
Typestring
Requirements

The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

Comments

Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

17. Dosage.site
Definition

Body site to administer to.

Control0..1
BindingA coded concept describing the site location the medicine enters into or onto the body.
For example codes, see SNOMED CT Anatomical Structure for Administration Site Codes
TypeCodeableConcept
Requirements

A coded specification of the anatomic site where the medication first enters the body.

Comments

If the use case requires attributes from the BodySite resource (e.g. to identify and track separately) then use the standard extension body-site-instance. May be a summary code, or a reference to a very precise definition of the location, or both.

18. Dosage.site.id
Definition

unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

Control0..1
Typestring
19. Dosage.site.extension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. In order to make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

20. Dosage.site.coding
Definition

A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from https://healthterminologies.gov.au/fhir/ValueSet/body-site-1
TypeCoding
Requirements

Allows for translations and alternate encodings within a code system. Also supports communication of the same instance to systems requiring different encodings.

Comments

Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

21. Dosage.site.text
Definition

A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

Control0..1
Typestring
Requirements

The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

Comments

Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

22. Dosage.route
Definition

How drug should enter body.

Control0..1
BindingA coded concept describing the route or physiological path of administration of a therapeutic agent into or onto the body of a subject.
For example codes, see SNOMED CT Route Codes
TypeCodeableConcept
Requirements

A code specifying the route or physiological path of administration of a therapeutic agent into or onto a patient's body.

23. Dosage.route.id
Definition

unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

Control0..1
Typestring
24. Dosage.route.extension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. In order to make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

25. Dosage.route.coding
Definition

A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

Control0..*
TypeCoding
Requirements

Allows for translations and alternate encodings within a code system. Also supports communication of the same instance to systems requiring different encodings.

Comments

Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

26. Dosage.route.coding:snomedRoute
Definition

A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from https://healthterminologies.gov.au/fhir/ValueSet/route-of-administration-1
TypeCoding
Requirements

Allows for translations and alternate encodings within a code system. Also supports communication of the same instance to systems requiring different encodings.

Comments

Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

27. Dosage.route.text
Definition

A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

Control0..1
Typestring
Requirements

The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

Comments

Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

28. Dosage.method
Definition

Technique for administering medication.

Control0..1
BindingA coded concept describing the technique by which the medicine is administered.
For example codes, see SNOMED CT Administration Method Codes
TypeCodeableConcept
Requirements

A coded value indicating the method by which the medication is introduced into or onto the body. Most commonly used for injections. For examples, Slow Push; Deep IV.

Comments

Terminologies used often pre-coordinate this term with the route and or form of administration.

29. Dosage.method.id
Definition

unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

Control0..1
Typestring
30. Dosage.method.extension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. In order to make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

31. Dosage.method.coding
Definition

A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

Control0..*
TypeCoding
Requirements

Allows for translations and alternate encodings within a code system. Also supports communication of the same instance to systems requiring different encodings.

Comments

Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

32. Dosage.method.coding:snomedMethod
Definition

A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from SNOMED CT Administration Method Codes
TypeCoding
Requirements

Allows for translations and alternate encodings within a code system. Also supports communication of the same instance to systems requiring different encodings.

Comments

Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

33. Dosage.method.text
Definition

A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

Control0..1
Typestring
Requirements

The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

Comments

Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

34. Dosage.dose[x]
Definition

Amount of medication per dose.

Control0..1
TypeChoice of: Range, Quantity(SimpleQuantity)
[x] NoteSee Choice of Data Types for further information about how to use [x]
Requirements

The amount of therapeutic or other substance given at one administration event.

Comments

Note that this specifies the quantity of the specified medication, not the quantity for each active ingredient(s). Each ingredient amount can be communicated in the Medication resource. For example, if one wants to communicate that a tablet was 375 mg, where the dose was one tablet, you can use the Medication resource to document that the tablet was comprised of 375 mg of drug XYZ. Alternatively if the dose was 375 mg, then you may only need to use the Medication resource to indicate this was a tablet. If the example were an IV such as dopamine and you wanted to communicate that 400mg of dopamine was mixed in 500 ml of some IV solution, then this would all be communicated in the Medication resource. If the administration is not intended to be instantaneous (rate is present or timing has a duration), this can be specified to convey the total amount to be administered over the period of time as indicated by the schedule e.g. 500 ml in dose, with timing used to convey that this should be done over 4 hours.

35. Dosage.maxDosePerPeriod
Definition

Upper limit on medication per unit of time.

Control0..1
TypeRatio
Requirements

The maximum total quantity of a therapeutic substance that may be administered to a subject over the period of time. For example, 1000mg in 24 hours.

Comments

This is intended for use as an adjunct to the dosage when there is an upper cap. For example "2 tablets every 4 hours to a maximum of 8/day".

36. Dosage.maxDosePerAdministration
Definition

Upper limit on medication per administration.

Control0..1
TypeQuantity(SimpleQuantity)
Requirements

The maximum total quantity of a therapeutic substance that may be administered to a subject per administration.

Comments

This is intended for use as an adjunct to the dosage when there is an upper cap. For example, a body surface area related dose with a maximum amount, such as 1.5 mg/m2 (maximum 2 mg) IV over 5 – 10 minutes would have doseQuantity of 1.5 mg/m2 and maxDosePerAdministration of 2 mg.

37. Dosage.maxDosePerLifetime
Definition

Upper limit on medication per lifetime of the patient.

Control0..1
TypeQuantity(SimpleQuantity)
Requirements

The maximum total quantity of a therapeutic substance that may be administered per lifetime of the subject.

38. Dosage.rate[x]
Definition

Amount of medication per unit of time.

Control0..1
TypeChoice of: Ratio, Range, Quantity(SimpleQuantity)
[x] NoteSee Choice of Data Types for further information about how to use [x]
Requirements

Identifies the speed with which the medication was or will be introduced into the patient. Typically the rate for an infusion e.g. 100 ml per 1 hour or 100 ml/hr. May also be expressed as a rate per unit of time e.g. 500 ml per 2 hours. Other examples: 200 mcg/min or 200 mcg/1 minute; 1 liter/8 hours. Sometimes, a rate can imply duration when expressed as total volume / duration (e.g. 500mL/2 hours implies a duration of 2 hours). However, when rate doesn't imply duration (e.g. 250mL/hour), then the timing.repeat.duration is needed to convey the infuse over time period.

Comments

It is possible to supply both a rate and a doseQuantity to provide full details about how the medication is to be administered and supplied. If the rate is intended to change over time, depending on local rules/regulations, each change should be captured as a new version of the MedicationRequest with an updated rate, or captured with a new MedicationRequest with the new rate.