Overview

Acmeware provides a series of Introduction to Data Repository (DR) Reporting courses that offer training designed to quickly launch report developers using a platform of choice and the MEDITECH™ DR. The courses are offered as two-day, on-site, programs with specific attention to the many features and nuances found in the DR Application. Acmeware’s training courses include the most popular report development software platforms. Healthcare organizations may select courses in the following reporting software:

• SQL Server Transact-SQL 2005 & 2008
• SQL Server 2005 & 2008 Reporting Services
• SQL Server 2005 & 2008 Analysis Services (OLAP)
• Business Objects™, Crystal Decisions (10.0, XI and 2008)

The format of Acmeware training courses encourages participants to engage interactively during the two-day program. The curriculum is divided into modules that are presented by the instructor using detailed slides to assist in teaching a concept. This is followed by a demonstration using realistic examples that depict the current concept applied to DR data. Class participants are then given a set of exercises to work on that incorporate the new subject as well as the cumulative material covered to this point. The instructor then solves the problems and a group discussion ensues. This hands-on interactive format allows participants of all backgrounds to gain the skills necessary to construct valuable, accurate, and efficient DR reports from within the selected reporting platform. The course modules are divided into the logical sections that parallel the process of report development.

Data Repository Overview

The curriculum begins with an overview of the DR design including a review of mechanisms used to transfer data from MEDITECH applications to the DR. Additionally, the DR-based routines that support data transfers are discussed and demonstrated. Each option available on the main screen of the DR application is reviewed, the most interesting of which are those that assist in mapping data between the MEDITECH departmental applications and DR environment. There exist several interesting and not well-documented sources of DR information (metadata) within the DR. The course identifies this metadata and demonstrates its value in report design and development.

Relational Database Review

The course includes a review of relational database concepts that are relevant to the SQL Server system on which the DR resides. Primary key, foreign key, indexes, table, and column properties are discussed. In the context of reporting, a comparison is provided of the strengths and weaknesses found in a relational database versus the hierarchical MEDITECH application database.

DR Table Linking Strategies

The DR does not provide the native referential integrity typically associated with a relational database application. As such, primary key to foreign key relationships between tables are not defined. Furthermore, there is limited documentation currently available that provides a means for determining how DR tables should be accurately linked. During the course, we explore strategies for identifying the most accurate and efficient techniques for joining tables when constructing DR reports. We review examples of reports that produce results from within a MEDITECH application module (e.g., all B/AR data) as well as across multiple application modules (e.g., B/AR, ABS, & CWS). Complex joining techniques including outer joins, cross-joins, and table self joins are also explored and analyzed.

Report Design Strategies

Report design strategies are explored using features specific to the software platform selected. The following basic design components are common to all reporting environments:

• Graphic User Interface
• Entering Data on Report
• Filtering data
• Grouping and Summarization
• Formatting output
• Parameters

Each topic is thoroughly discussed with examples and exercises presented and analyzed during the course.

Exercise Workbook and Training Guide

Each attendee is provided with training documentation that outlines all of the concepts and examples used during the course. Also, an Exercise Workbook is provided with example questions and answers paralleling each topic covered during the training program. Upon completion of the course, attendees will have gained a solid understanding of how to perform DR report development using the reporting platform of choice.