OpenSafely FAQ
Overview
Section titled “Overview”This section answers common questions from data consumers using OpenSafely models. The goal is to provide clear, practical guidance you can apply directly in study logic and SQL.
If you are new to the dataset, start with OpenSafely Overview and Data Freshness and Quality, then use the FAQ topics below for model-specific details.
FAQ Topics
Section titled “FAQ Topics”- Why can a medication drug record exist without a matching issue record?
- What date and time formats are used across OpenSafely models?
- How should I use the organisation field in patient and other models?
- How should I interpret is_national_data_opted_in?
- How should I work with registration history?
- How do model_run and model_data_quality relate to freshness and trust?