To accurately summarize patient data from snapshot tables, which key should be prioritized?

The emphasis on using PatientDim.DurableKey for summarizing patient data from snapshot tables stems from its unique function in identifying distinct patients across various time frames and data contexts. The DurableKey is designed to maintain a consistent identifier for a patient, regardless of any changes to other attributes such as demographics or enrollment status that may occur over time. This consistency is crucial when dealing with snapshot tables that capture patient data at specific intervals, ensuring that any analyses or summaries accurately reflect individual patient histories without duplicating records or losing connections between data entries.

Choosing to summarize data using the DurableKey allows analysts to aggregate patient information while preserving the integrity of the data relationship. This means that any statistics or summaries generated will accurately depict patient interactions and health records, leading to more reliable insights into patient populations and trends.

In contrast, other keys mentioned may not provide the same level of reliability for this purpose. For instance, PatientDim.PatientKey may not remain static if a patient's data record changes due to updates or corrections, and while PatientDim.PrimaryKey might be important for ensuring unique records in a database setting, it does not have the same longitudinal utility as the DurableKey for summarizing data over time. PatientDim.Name, while helpful for identification, is not unique and can change