To Create a User-defined Field in a Template

Before you begin

Procedure

  1. Ensure you are working within a new or existing template.
  2. Ensure that the Data Toolbar is visible. As you are working in a template, the Data Toolbar will be titled 'Template Fields'.
  3. Position the cursor in your document where you wish to insert the User-Defined field.
  4. Locate and double-click the User Defined template field from the Data Toolbar. The Custom Field Properties window appears.
  5. Complete the fields presented to you, to construct your customised field code.
    • Name the Field. Use a unique name for each different field type you create.
    • Select a Field Type. The names and types of the remaining fields that at appear on this window may alter, depending on the option you select. See the table following for information about the available fields.
    • When creating a new letter that contains this field, if you wish the field to appear pre-populated with the value you entered last time you used it, tick both the Save Value and Use Last Saved Value check boxes. Note that this saved value will be recalled wherever a field of the same name and type appears in a template for the current patient.
    • Complete the remaining fields.
      Field Type Description
      Character A single line of text. You must also indicate the maximum number of characters this line of text can hold via the associated Max. Length field.
      Character Multiline Multiple lines of text.
      Date (Long) The long-date format, as set in Windows' Regional Settings.

      Options include;

      To display a default value (as entered by the user)

      To default to the current date

      To use the last saved value.
      Date (Short) Windows short-date format, as set in Windows' Regional Settings.

      Options include;

      To display a default value (as entered by the user)

      To default to the current date

      To use the last saved value.
      List A list of text entries that the user can select a single item from.
      Number A positive number. You must also indicate the maximum number of digits this number can be via the associated Max. Length field.
      Yes/No Either 'Yes' or 'No' appears within the resulting letter. However, within the prompt set itself, this appears as a check box for you to either tick (for Yes), or leave empty (for No).
      Prompt A set of one or more of the other field types, combined and displayed in a table within a letter. See User-Defined Prompt Sets for more information.
  6. Click OK when you are satisfied with your settings.
  7. A field representing the Used-Defined Prompt Set you created will appear in your template, as seen in the following image.
  8. When you create a new letter based on this template, you will be prompted to enter data for your User-Defined field.

Results