Summary
Learning outcomes for this page: Consolidation of previous learning outcomes
A table is said to be in first normal form if it contains no repeating groups. That is all the values for each field are atomic.
The process of converting a non first normal form table into one which is in first normal form is to split up the fields into two or more tables ('projection'). At a basic level remember:
More rows less columns:
Portfolio exercise: First normal form (2) Sect7|07|02
Time: 15 minutes
For: Clinicians | NHS managers | Non healthcare workers
The following is a record that has been developed by a student pharmacist to record prescription details:
|
Prescription ID |
Pharmacist |
Item code |
Description |
|
1 |
Worsely |
G452 H223 D231 P1128 |
Aspirin 75 mg Warfarin 10 mg Diamorphine 10 mg Pemoline 20 mg |
|
2 |
Phillips |
A7584 |
Oxytetracycline 250 mg |
Create two tables to remove the problem with the multi-valued fields. For the purposes of this exercise you can assume that the item code and description field values are related. (i.e. one determines the other).
Written by Robin Beaumont & Chris Noden e-mail:robin@ieg-net.co.uk or chrisnoden@hotmail.com
