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Step 4 - Using Python To Go Beyond Mapping

Data is now successfully flowing into your database from the HL7 world. However, up to this point, all you have done is map data from incoming HL7 message fields to database fields. In reality, you often want to harness the extensive power of Chameleon to do much more than simple mapping. One way to do this is to use its built-in Python scripting capabilities.

In this example, the objective is to put the character 'D' in the Discharged column of your Patient database table whenever you receive an ADT^A03 (discharge patient) message. You'll note that currently the VMD mapping file you created in Step 2 only handles ADT^A04 messages and that you have left the Discharged column in the Patient table unmapped.