This page is part of the FHIR Specification (v4.3.0: R4B - STU). The current version which supercedes this version is 5.0.0. For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions . Page versions: R5R4B
continuous continuous variable A continuous variable is one for which, within the limits the variable ranges, any value is possible (from STATO http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/STATO_0000251).
dichotomous dichotomous variable A dichotomous variable is a categorical variable which is defined to have only 2 categories or possible values (from STATO http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/STATO_0000090).
ordinal ordinal variable An ordinal variable is a categorical variable where the discrete possible values are ordered or correspond to an implicit ranking (from STATO http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/STATO_0000228).
polychotomous polychotomous variable A polychotomous variable is a categorical variable which is defined to have minimally 2 categories or possible values. (from STATO http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/STATO_0000087). Suggestion to limit code use to situations when neither dichotomous nor ordinal variables apply.
Explanation of the columns that may appear on this page:
Lvl A few code lists that FHIR defines are hierarchical - each code is assigned a level. For value sets, levels are mostly used to organize codes for user convenience, but may follow
code system hierarchy - see Code System for further information
Source The source of the definition of the code (when the value set draws in codes defined elsewhere)
Code The code (used as the code in the resource instance). If the code is in italics, this indicates that the code is not selectable ('Abstract')
Display The display (used in the display element of a Coding). If there is no display, implementers should not simply display the code, but map the concept into their application
Definition An explanation of the meaning of the concept
Comments Additional notes about how to use the code