It may happen that two attributes (tests) within the Online Information System should represent the same attribute within RippleDown. This typically occurs when a test is  superseded by another, possibly with different units. This is handled within RippleDown by merging the two attributes at the server level, as described below.

Scenario: The attribute RCF in the Online Information System has been superseded by RCF_new. Patient records contain historical RCF values but recent values are for RCF_new. Within RippleDown, rules have been build using RCF.

Procedure:

  1. Stop the interface between the Online Information System and RippleDown.
  2. Start the RippleDown Administrator.
  3. Open the Attribute Editor.
  4. Rename RCF to RCF_old
  5. Create a Merged Attribute with name RCF.
  6. Add RCF_old and RCF_new to the merged attribute.
  7. Hide RCF_old and RCF_new.
  8. Close the Attribute Editor and Administrator.
  9. Re-start the interface between the Online Information System and RippleDown.