Learn About Data Validations
Note: Creating Data Validation requires administrative rights.
Use Validations to require fields have specific values or that they are completed, force a behavior change, and set up information needed in certain scenarios. It is a way to minimize QA by ensuring that users collect and document the information you want to see in the chart. You can set Data Validation for multiple levels - service, command, or region.
For example, you can require that a field cannot be blank. If required fields are not filled out, a message with a link displays when the user tries to lock the chart. Clicking the link takes the user to the area that needs attention. All actions associated with the rule must be completed before the user can lock the chart.
There are three primary code tables used to configure Data Validation:
- Data Validation Rules: This is where you specify the criteria or subset of charts. In order to do this, you will need to identify the field or option, that when selected by the user, makes the chart part of this subset.
- Data Validation Actions: Here you select the operating guidelines you want to see 'true' in the subsets of charts that you identified in the rule. For example, pick a field on page one and make filling it out mandatory. You tie the action to the rule, which then applies it to the subset of charts you defined there.
- Data Validation Quick Pick: Creates generic rules that specify fields that cannot be left blank. There are limitations to these rules that you should consider before using them. For a more robust rule, think about building your own.
You can even use the Data Validation Rules you have built to auto-populate specified fields with default values. Learn more about Data Validation Chart Defaults.
It is important to understand that ZOLL emsCharts Data Validations that can be created by System Administrators are not the same as NEMSIS National and State Schematron Validations. Please read on for more information.
Schematron Validation errors vs. user-defined Rules (Data Validations)
Administrators can configure Validation Rules at the Command Facility and Service levels. These Validation Rules are evaluated during the creation of a chart, and you can see the results in real-time for the affected fields as you document the PCR. A summary of all errors and warnings will be displayed on the Close Charts page in ZOLL emsCharts for Windows. Validation messages generated from user-defined Data Validation Rules will show whether they were created at the Service level, Command Facility level, Region level, or are System-wide Rules.
Schematron Rules are provided to the NEMSIS Technical Assistance Center (TAC) by each state. ZOLL downloads and converts the rulesets into Schematron.xsl files. The Schematron.xsl is then used to validate the EMSDataSet.xml after it is generated when you go to the Close Chart page in ZOLL emsCharts for Windows. The Validation results will display on the Close Chart page. Validation messages generated from the state Schematron will show the two-letter state abbreviation as the Source.
| Feature | Data Validation | Schematron |
|---|---|---|
| Who configures | Service, Command Facility, Region, System can write Rules (criteria) and Actions (requirements) based on ZOLL emsCharts fields | Set of Rules and requirements provided by the state government based on NEMSIS fields and values. ZOLL adds these rulesets into the product. |
| Customized messaging | Service, Command Facility, and Region can put in "Alt Text" for their own Actions to provide a meaningful message | Contact ZOLL Support to override the state messaging or you can create a custom Data Validation Rule and Action that duplicates the state Schematron Rule but displays your custom message. |
| Levels of requirement | Require Correction, Warn User, Require Special Report | Error, Warning, Info |
| When evaluated | While documenting the PCR and on the Close Chart screen | On the Close Chart screen due to when NEMSIS generation occurs |
| Takes you to the field that needs to be changed | Yes - for fields not hidden within a pop-up window | Yes - for fields not hidden within a pop-up window. There may be some instances this does not work due to gaps in NEMSIS field to ZOLL emsCharts mappings. |
| User correction list | Shows in a widget in the header | Shows on the Close Chart screen |
| Available in ZOLL emsCharts for Windows | Yes except for Special Reports | Yes as of November 2023 |
Watch this video for an overview and configuration information. For a more in-depth training video, see the Rules and Actions topic.