Goals

Analysis Normal Form (ANF) is a normal form intended to safely and reliably support data analysis that can be used to aggregate data created using any standard or non-standard input form or exchange mechanism.  By converting Health Factors into ANF statements, clinical data will be able to meet the following criteria:  Understandable, Reproducible, and Useful (URU). 

This guide aims to logically explain how to convert Health Factors in a URU method and to standardize the health information captured within Health Factors.

Specific Aims:

1. Represent Health Factors in a reproducible standard format that allows for enhanced query capabilities and reduces terminology/statement complexity.

2. Integrate representation of Health Factors with other terminology standards (e.g. SNOMED, LOINC, RxNorm) to enhance their ability to inform clinical decision support and assist in the transition of electronic health records to Cerner systems.

3. Enable interoperability between different VA Medical Centers, as well as between VA Medical Centers and community partners, by standardizing representation of Health Factors and integrating their representation with other terminology standards (e.g. SNOMED, LOINC, RxNorm).