Minimum basic data set in general practice: definitions and coding.

A minimum basic data set (MBDS) was designed and used in general practice. The most important purpose and need for establishing such a data set is to assist in the provision of patient care. MBDS is designed to meet common needs for many general practitioners. Minimum means that individual programmes or the GP are free to collect as much additional data as they may wish. The MBDS includes two kinds of data: permanent and dynamic/encounter items. Permanent items are: patient data (identification, problem list, chronic treatments, source of payment) and GP data (professional characteristics). Dynamic/encounter items are: date, place, reasons for encounter, problems, process and prior encounter status.