Query type Reference Sets

Query type Reference Sets are referring to a Simple type Reference Set and associating it with an ECL query. The referenced simple type contains the results of the query expression producing a subset of concepts, descriptions, or relationships.

When saving a Query type Reference Set, the queries are executed and the new simple type Reference Sets are automatically generated. The queries can be run against future releases to generate an updated set of subset members.

To create a new Query type Reference Set, right-click on a Reference Set type or Reference Set and select the New Query type Reference Set Context Menu option.

Adding Query Reference Set members

A Query type Reference Set is referencing a Simple type Reference Set and associating it with an ECL query. The referenced Simple type Reference Set contains the results of the query expression. It is generated automatically and can be updated easily to reflect the changes of a new release.

To add a query member:

  • Right-click on the Query type Reference Set and select Add query member option.

To extend the semantic query functionality with lexical search capabilities, a basic query language has been implemented. This language combines the Expression Constraint Language with a term filter that runs a simple prefix match.

After defining whether a particular clause is semantic or lexical, the ecl or term operators need to be used. After the ecl operator, the syntax is the same as for a regular ECL expression. After the term operator, the lexical criteria need to be added between quotes. The lexical search is a prefix-match. Semantic and lexical clauses can be combined with the AND, OR and MINUS logical operators.

It is important to put ECL expressions that contain refinements in brackets, it won't be clear that the AND/OR/MINUS is to connect refinements, or to connect the ECL expression with the lexical search.

You can enter a query language expression in the Query Section of the wizard. At any point during entering a query, the content assist can be invoked by hitting Ctrl + Space. When content assist is invoked, the user can pick from different valid selections depending on the current position of the cursor.

You can also choose an existing QL query. Clicking the Browse... button will open the Workplace folder in a file browser, where you can select an existing ecl file to define the content of the new Simple type Reference Set.

To learn more about queries in Snow Owl, please refer to the Semantic Queries section:

The module of the Query type Reference Set member can also be set on the first page of the wizard. To be able to see the module of the memberships, enable the Module ID column in the Reference Set Editor table Preference Page.

The generated Simple type Reference Set will still belong to the primary module set in SNOMED CT Settings, but its members will belong to the module set here.

The next page of the wizard regards the Simple type Reference Set:

  • Specify the properties of a new Simple type Reference Set, or

  • Choose an existing one – the content of which will be overwritten with the results of the query.

Once all required properties have been specified, hit Finish to add the member. The query is displayed for each member in the Reference Set table.

After saving the Query type Reference Set, the queries are executed and the new Simple type Reference Sets are automatically generated. The queries can be run against future releases to generate an updated set of subset members.

To update Query type Reference Sets:

  • Right-click on the Query type Reference Set and choose the Update Query Reference Set Context Menu option.

The results of the process are displayed in the Update Query Reference Set Wizard. Click on a member to review details and choose which Simple type Reference Set member to update.

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