SNOMED Implementation Programme updates

Top Marks from Top Users of NHS England Terminology Server

Published: April 2023

The SNOMED implementation team has been busy speaking to some of the most prolific users of the NHS England Terminology Server. The three organisations involved shared their experiences of using the Terminology Server, including details of their preparation and the processes followed to implement the service, the advantages of accessing SNOMED CT, dm+d and other terminology and classifications products via this route, and any obstacles they encountered along the way.

Overall feedback was very positive. Some of the benefits cited included:

  • improvements in speed compared with accessing SNOMED directly via the Release Format 2 (RF2) files downloaded from the TRUD website
  • financial savings compared with accessing SNOMED directly via the RF2 files
  • more efficient processes over loading RF2 files into systems (“You’re doing all the hard work!”)

All of the organisations also praised the ease of initial registration and synchronisation with the Terminology Server, thanks to clear processes provided by the NHS England Terminology Server quick start guides and support from NHS England technical colleagues.  One of our interviewees stated:

“Thank you very much for the Terminology Server. It’s massively improved things. It’s a pleasure to work with.” 

Of course, implementing new working methods comes with challenges, and the need to upskill and familiarise teams with the technology was a common theme raised during our sessions.

Some interviewees also told us they did not have prior awareness of the NHS England Terminology Server and had struggled with using the RF2 files to access SNOMED and dm+d before discovering the solution. The SNOMED Implementation team aims to increase promotion of the NHS England Terminology Server in the near future by highlighting the fantastic work it makes possible. Look out for more in-depth case studies with our interviewees soon!

We are always looking to add to our suite of benefits artefacts. If you would like to share your stories about the advantages of SNOMED CT and / or the NHS England Terminology Server, we would love to hear from you; please email us on snomed.implementation@nhs.net.

Created by Antonia Gomes 11 months ago
Last modified by Katy Park 10 months ago