As the system processes an update request, it automatically sends details of changes to the Update File to PBM designated PPS-N users and Local VistA users via Microsoft Outlook.
When an update starts, the system sends messages to coordinate and ensure that local VistA systems are paused until updates are processed so that updates are completely and accurately added to local systems consistent with the PPS-N database. In addition, the system pauses the following menu options automatically (disable at the start of an update file installation and enabled after update file installation is complete):
Print a PMI Sheet
Patient Prescription Processing
Release Medication
Reprint an Outpatient Rx label
In addition, a Local VistA user can use the CONF option to add Scheduled Options, Menu Options, or Protocols that need to be paused during the update file install. A Local VistA user can only add or delete options. The pre-defined menu options noted above cannot be deleted.
When the system is paused, the system sends the following message to local site users:
The NDF Update file [File Name & File Size] is ready for Local VistA installation via the scheduled or manual process utilized at your site. The following VistA options will be placed out of order while the NDF Update file is installed: Print PMI Sheet, Patient Prescription Processing, Release Medication, and Reprint an Outpatient Rx label.
When the update is complete, the system sends the following message to local site users:
The NDF Data Update file [File Name & File Size] has been installed successfully. All VistA options placed out of order are now available.
When the system is unable to install the update, the system sends the local system Automated Data Processing Applications Coordinators (ADPAC), and other designated users a message via the current VistA Mailman Message functionality and Outlook so that all relevant stakeholders are informed when there are problems with the installation of updates.
Error condition messages contain the following information about the error (if available):
.DAT file name being processed
Error Date/Time
Global (VistA file being processed when the error occurred) IEN – (IEN being processed when the error occurred)
Update File Section (.DAT file section being processed when the error occurred)
Error Message
Steps to Correct the Error
Messages are sent in the following instances:
In addition, VistA identifies update file process errors in the PPS-N Update Control File (GLOBAL MAP DATA DICTIONARY #57.23). The file will contain the following fields:
Name
Directory Path
Version
Email Group Name
Install in Progress – Flag indicating install is in progress.
Current Global – Vista file currently being updated (i.e. 50.416, 50.68)
Current IEN – The current IEN being processed
Current Update File Section – The section of the .DAT currently being processed (i.e. PMIDATA, DATANT, DATAN, MESSAGE)
DAT file Name – The name of the .DAT being processed.
Install Begin Date/Time – Date/Time the .DAT file processing began
Restart Date/Time – Date/Time a restart began. (if restarted)
Restart Completion Date/Time – Date/Time restart completed (if restarted)
Beginning IEN – initial IEN to install
Beginning Update File Section – initial .DAT file section to install
Error Date/Time – Date/Time of error
Global – Vista file being processed when error occurred
IEN – IEN being processed when error occurred
Update File Section - .DAT file section processing when error occurred
Error Message – Descriptive text of the error condition
File Number – NDF File Number (50.68, 50.605, etc.)
Completion Date/Time – Date/Time update completed