HCIN 543 / Database Project
HCIN 543’s final project focuses on the fundamental skills developed throughout the course in database and knowledge management & allows the student to demonstrate skills in designing and manipulating databases using Microsoft Office Access and Structured Query Language (SQL) as applied to in a health care environment. Using the supplemental textbook, we selected a system/data set that represents the healthcare field to research and build data elements and build a mock database. We were tasked to describe a problem of the system and perform a database design of the chosen data set.
Throughout the course, we learned basic and necessary skills to manage common data sets and resolve selected operational problems using SQL. Computer lab time consisted of demonstration, “hands-on” experience and discussions. Exercises covering SQL and Microsoft Access were assigned and students had in-class time to work on the problems individually or in groups with the instructor present. Through these assignments, we were able to practice and demonstrate skills in the use of data management software.
Utilizing the SQL training, we created our databases through Access including: two tables (with one-to-many relationships), two forms for users to enter data, two queries using SQL statements to retrieve the results, and two reports created from those queries. All of this was compiled into a final report and a power point presentation. While this assignment allowed us to showcase our creativity, it also demonstrated our SQL competency.
For my database, I chose the National Trauma Databank (NTDB) which is the largest aggregation of trauma data ever assembled in the United States. Through this database, I was able to create tables to compare different attributes of injury including severity, mechanism, type of injury, location, etc. Due to the time constraints of the course, my database was a simple representation of the NTDB. If the project were to have continued, I would definitely like to add more attributes to my table to strengthen the database as a whole.