SNOMED template syntax specification

This specification describes a consistent mechanism for SNOMED CT templates, which can be used to convert any computable SNOMED CT language into a SNOMED CT template language. It defines the formal rules for representing slots in SNOMED CT expressions, expression constraints or queries. A slot either provides information as to how the template should be processed, or represents a placeholder for a value that is not known at the time of authoring. These placeholders can be completed at a later time using data recorded elsewhere (such as in an information model or entered into a data entry form).

The template syntax may be used in conjunction with any of the computable SNOMED CT languages to represent templates of various kinds. The target audience of this document includes SNOMED International National Release Centres, SNOMED CT designers and developers, and SNOMED CT terminology developers.

Main sections:

· Use cases

· Requirements

· Logical model

· Syntax specification

· SNOMED CT language templates

· Processing expression templates

· Expression template examples