What are "Reference Tables" used for in the Caboodle Data Model?

Reference tables in the Caboodle Data Model serve the critical function of providing lookup values for coded data. These tables hold predefined sets of data that can be utilized across various applications and data entries, ensuring standardization and consistency in how data interacts and is referenced. For instance, a reference table might contain code values for patient diagnoses or types of procedures, which helps avoid discrepancies and inaccuracies that can arise from using free-text descriptions or inconsistent coding.

Their role is essential in maintaining data integrity, as they allow different parts of the data model to reference a consistent set of coded values. This becomes particularly valuable when aggregating, analyzing, or reporting on data, as it ensures that insights and analytics are not skewed by variations in coding practices. Reference tables essentially ensure that coded data is uniformly understood, enabling more reliable data interpretation and utilization across the system.