introduction to databases introduction to databases author mckesson corporation subject introduction...

Introduction to Databases

This session will explain the general concept of a database, in order to help facilitate the use of theMcKesson Assessment Tools system.

This topic will help you understand how a database organizes information, so that you can runmeaningful reports.

Introduction to Databases - 1 Copyright © 2010 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved

What is a Database?

What is a database? A database is an organized collection of information that has been systematicallydesigned for easy access and analysis. So a database is, quite simply, organized information.


Although the databases typically referred to today are computerized, they need not be.

An example of a non-computerized database with which you may already be familiar is a collection ofindex cards, each containing a favorite recipe.


Records

All of the recipe cards together comprise a database, and each recipe index card, or individual elementwithin that database, is referred to as a record.

Each record, or index card, would contain similar information and be organized in the same generalway.


So, for instance, if you created a Dessert database, you would organize all of your dessert recipe cardsin a way that would make it easy for you to find your recipes quickly and easily according to the type ofdessert you want to make. To do this, each record needs to contain the same fields of information.


Fields

In this example, four fields would work well: recipe type, such as cookies, cakes, and pies; ingredients;mixing instructions; and baking instructions. Fields make up records, and records make up a database.


This database example identifies the basic elements that make up any database. To review: adatabase is a collection of records-in this example, a collection of dessert recipes-and each record is acollection of fields-in this example 4 unique fields that include “recipe type, ingredients, mixinginstructions and baking instructions.”

With this basic understanding, let's see how this structured organization can help make your recipeseasy to use.


Imagine you are invited to a dinner party and you’ve been asked to bring a cake, so you want to find acake recipe within your Dessert database. You can easily do this by running what is called a "query."


Query

A query is used to select a limited number of records in your database based on criteria you identify inone or more fields. In this case, since you’ve been asked to bring a cake, you would want yourdatabase to show you all the dessert recipes where the “recipe type” is "cakes."


The results may look something like you see here in the three records shown.

This is a rather simple example, but it does illustrate the basic concepts of a database and how you caninteract with the organized information to see particular results.


Now let's apply this knowledge to the reports you will use in the McKesson Assessment Tools system.McKesson Assessments are all contained in a database; each person that takes an assessment is asingle record within the database; and when they complete an assessment, they are placinginformation in various fields.


Some of these fields will be particularly helpful to you when running a query, or searching forinformation from within test results, such as:First Name, Last Name, E-Mail Address, City, State, Region, and Location

You can use these fields to view and run meaningful reports, in the same way the “recipe type” fieldwas used earlier in this demonstration to search the recipe database for all “cake" recipes.


Using Fields to Run Reports

For example, if you want to look for all assessment results for a certain state, let’s say Ohio, you wouldrun a query asking the database to show you all assessment results where the "State" field is equal to"O-H" for Ohio.


The results for this example may look something like you see here.


This session covered a basic understanding of databases. Recipes were used to show that databasesare made up of individual records, and records are made up of individual fields of information that makeit easy for you to access specific records in the database that can be used to create and view reports.


When you are viewing the training sessions about reporting, keep these concepts in mind, as they willhelp you to create and view meaningful reports, as well as understand what lies behind them.

Return to this training session at any time as needed to refresh your understanding of databases.


Consult the Help Documentation

For more information consult the Help documentation provided


Contact McKesson Health Solutions

If you need further assistance, contact McKesson Health solutions at 1-800-274-8374 or by emailing [email protected] .


introduction to databases introduction to databases author mckesson corporation subject introduction...

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