New Deprecation Process

SNOMED Groups Terminology Release AG
1

  • We will shortly be refining the deprecation process for SNOMED CT Products, especially derivatives such as Nursing Activities + Nursing Health Issues.

  • If you have any pre-emptive ideas of how we can improve this process, please let us know now, as this is the time when we can easily impact the final solution?

  • For example:

    • Communication improvements?

      • Comm out as far and wide as possible…

    • Changes to the way we leave (or don’t leave) the deprecated packages in MLDS?

      • Some suggested leaving on MLDS for a short period (1 year?) then removing to keep MLDS clean

      • Most others prefer to ALWAYS leave the latest (in this case Final Deprecated) version on MLDS permanently, so people know

        • HOWEVER, this should be accompanied by clear labellling on MLDS to state

          • a) That the product is deprecated

          • b) the reason for deprecation (no longer used vs INVALID vs Dangerous, etc!)

          • c) And keep the packages in a separate folder in MLDS marked “Deprecated” to make it very clear to only use them if you know what you’re doing

    • Changes to the way in which we deprecate the RF2 records? (inactivation, just leave them active but static, etc)

      • This should be optional depending on the Reason for Deprecation (ie)

        • a) If it is just no longer being maintained, then everything should remain Active, with a note clearly stating that there is no longer ACTIVE MAINTENANCE being done on this Product, and so should be used with caution as it’s definitely out of date

        • b) If the content is “WRONG” or “UNSAFE” then it should be inactivated and flagged as Unsafe for use

        • c) etc

    • Changes to the way we deal with the metadata? (inactivating refsetDescriptor records, module records, etc?)

      • Metadata can never be “unsafe” in and of itself, and so refsetDescriptor and Module records ashould always remain active in all cases

  • Confirm if everyone is happy with the new process?

  • Confirm if they are then also happy with applying the new process to all following planned deprecations:

    • 2x Nursing Refsets

    • Old FORMAT MedDRA Maps (but not entire Product)

    • Stated Relationships

    • CNC Indicators

    • ICD-0 Maps

    • CTV-3 content in the International Edition

  • If so, create formal Deprecation Plans for each, and manage them through.