Acronym/ Term | Definition
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Access Code | A unique sequence of characters known by and assigned only to the user, the system manager and/or designated alternate(s). The access code (in conjunction with the verify code) is used by the computer to identify authorized users.
ADP Coordinator / ADPAC / Application Coordinator Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator | The person responsible for implementing an application developed to support a specific functional area such as Nursing, PIMS, etc.
Application | A system of computer programs and files that have been specifically developed to meet the requirements of a user or group of users. Examples of vxVistA applications are the PIMS and vxVitals/Measurements application.
Archive | The process of moving data to some other storage medium, usually a magnetic disk, and deleting the information from active storage in order to free-up disk space on the system.
Backup Procedures | The provisions made for the recovery of data files and program libraries and for restart or replacement of ADP equipment after the occurrence of a system failure.
BMI | A patient's body mass index, which is calculated by dividing the person's weight in kilograms by the square of his height in meters.
Bulletin | A canned message that is automatically sent by MailMan to a user when something happens to the database.
Data Dictionary | A description of file structure and data elements within a file.
DLL | Dynamic Link Library
Device | A hardware input/output component of a computer system (e.g., CRT, printer).
Edit | Used to change/modify data typically stored in a file.
Field | A data element in a file.
File | The M construct in which data is stored for retrieval at a later time. A group of related records.
File Manager or FileMan | Within this manual, FileManager or FileMan is a reference to DSS FileMan. FileMan is a set of M routines used to enter, edit, print, and sort/ search related data in a file; a data base.
Global | An M term used when referring to a file stored on a storage medium, usually a magnetic disk. In the vxVitals software, for example, vxVitals data is stored in one global, and patient data is stored in another global.
Global Data | From a CCOW perspective, this is the patient record that all CCOW-compliant applications are focused on. When joining a clinical context, select Use Global Data to synchronize the active application with the patient that is open in the other applications.
GMRV | This signifies the General Medical Record namespace assigned to the vxVitals/Measurements application.
GMRY | This signifies the General Medical Record namespace assigned to the Intake and Output application.
GMV | vxVitals/Measurements namespace, parent package to GMRV.
GUI Graphical User Interface | A Windows-like screen that uses drop down menus, icons, pointer devices, and other metaphor-type elements that can make a computer program more understandable, easier to use, allow multi-processing (more than one window or process available at once), and so on.
I&O | The Intake and Output application.
IRMS | Information Resource Management Service.
Kernel | A set of software utilities. These utilities provide data processing support for the application packages developed within the vx. They are also tools used in configuring the local computer site to meet the particular needs of the hospital. The components of this operating system include: MenuMan, TaskMan, Device Handler, Log-on/Security, and other specialized routines.
M | Formerly known as MUMPS or the Massachusetts (General Hospital) Utility Multi-Programming System. This is the programming language used for all vxVistA applications.
MailMan | An electronic mail, teleconferencing, and networking system.
Menu | A set of options or functions available to users for editing, formatting, generating reports, etc.
Module | A component of the vxVitals software application that covers a single topic or a small section of a broad topic.
Namespace | A naming convention followed in the DSS to identify various applications and to avoid collision between applications. It is used as a prefix for all routines and globals used by the application. The vxVitals package uses GMV as its namespace.
OIFO | Office of Information Field Office, formerly known as Information Resource Management Field Office, and Information Systems Center.
Option | A functionality that is invoked by the user. The information defined in the option is used to drive the menu system. Options are created, associated with others on menus, or given entry/exit actions. For example, the GMV V/M GUI is the main menu for the vxVitals/Measurements application.
Package | Otherwise known as an application. A set of M routines, files, documentation and installation procedures that support a specific function within vxVistA (e.g., the ADT and vxVitals/Measurements applications).
Password | A protected word or string of characters that identifies or authenticates a user, a specific resource, or an access type (synonymous with Verify Code).
PIMS | Patient Information Management System previously known as the MAS Package.
Pointer | A special data type of DSS FileMan that takes its value from another file. This is a method of joining files together and avoiding duplication of information.
Program | A set of M commands and arguments, created, stored, and retrieved as a single unit in M.
Protocol | A single entry point referencing multiple routine entry points to execute several inter related, required processes which perform specific functions. When multiple protocols are associated with a single procedure (i.e., intravenous lines or IV lines), they are found grouped under a single option.
Qualifier | A word that gives a more detailed description of an item.
Queuing | The scheduling of a process/task to occur at a later time. Queuing is normally done if a task uses up a lot of computer resources.
Routine | A set of M commands and arguments, created, stored, and retrieved as a single unit in M.
Security Key | A function which unlocks specific options and makes them accessible to an authorized user.
Sensitive Information | Any information which requires a degree of protection and which should be made available only to authorized users.
Site Configurable | A term used to refer to features in the system that can be modified to meet the needs of each site.
Software | A generic term referring to a related set of computer programs.
Synonym | A qualifier abbreviation appended to vxVitals/Measurements numeric values on graphic reports.
Task Manager or TaskMan | A part of Kernel which allows programs or functions to begin at specified times or when devices become available. See Queuing.
User | A person who enters and/or retrieves data in a system, usually utilizing a CRT.
Utility | An M program that assists in the development and/or maintenance of a computer system.
Verify Code | A unique security code which serves as a second level of security access. Use of this code is site specific; sometimes used interchangeably with a password.
VistA | Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture.
Vital | A category of vital sign or measurement (e.g., pulse, respiration, blood pressure, temperature).
Workstation | A personal computer running the Windows 9x or NT operating system.