NHS dm+d

The code system for the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d) is https://dmd.nhs.uk.

e.g.

<medicationCodeableConcept>
     <coding>
        <system value="https://dmd.nhs.uk" />
        <code value="317972000" />
        <display value="Furosemide 40mg tablets" />
     </coding>
</medicationCodeableConcept>

SNOMED-CT

The code system for the SNOMED-CT is http://snomed.info/sct.

e.g.

<route>
   <coding>
      <system value="http://snomed.info/sct" />
      <code value="26643006" />
      <display value="oral" />
   </coding>
</route>

Units of Measure

A unit of measure is required when describing a dosage and can be supplied via one of two code systems:

Preferred: Unified Code for Units of Measure (UCUM)

The Unified Code for Units of Measure (UCUM) is preferred and should be used where possible.

Examples of when a UCUM unit of measure would be used are:

• gram (g)
• milliliter (ml)
• percent (%)

e.g.

<quantity>
    <value value="12.5" />
    <unit value="milliliter" />
    <system value="http://unitsofmeasure.org" />
    <code value="ml" />
</quantity>

Alternative: SNOMED-CT

In the instance where a UCUM unit of measure is not defined, use a SNOMED-CT unit of measure instead. All units of measure are descendants of concept 767524001 | Unit of measure (qualifier value) which includes both UCUM and non-UCUM codes.

Concept 732935002 | Unit of presentation (unit of presentation), which is also a descendant of the Unit of measure concept, holds a list non-UCUM units of measure that are used within prescribing:

Examples of where a SNOMED-CT unit of measure would typically be used are:

• tablet
• capsule
• ampoule
• patch

e.g.

<quantity>
    <value value="2" />
    <unit value="tablet" />
    <system value="http://snomed.info/sct" />
    <code value="428673006" />
</quantity>