WHODrug Global course series

3. The structure of WHODrug Global

The aim of this course is to provide participants with a solid understanding of the information contained in Uppsala Monitoring Centre's (UMC's) Drug Dictionary WHODrug Global, including how the terminology is structured and used at various levels, and to introduce the WHODrug Global drug code and the C3 format.
This course is part 3 in the series of WHODrug Global courses.
To enrol in this course, you must meet the following requirements:
  • You are affiliated with an organisation with an active subscription for UMC’s Drug Dictionary, WHODrug Global.
  • You have a personal user account. If you do not have a user account, contact your organisation’s Access Manager. If they are unable to help, or you do not know who your Access Manager is, contact UMC at support@who-umc.org.
      • Length: 1.5 hours
      • Target audience: WHODrug subscribers
      • Language: English
      • Award: Yes
      • Course level: Introductory
      • Course type: Self-paced

What you will learn

The WHODrug Global information structure

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
  • List some of the differences between C3 and B3 formats.
  • Identify data elements available for WHODrug records.
  • Describe what a Drug name is in WHODrug.
  • Describe what an Umbrella record is.
  • Explain what Non-unique names are.
  • Explain how active substance synonym names are included in WHODrug.
  • Describe the relationship between active substance, active substance variation and product name in WHODrug.

The WHODrug Global Drug code

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
  • Explain the structure of data in WHODrug and how it is connected by the Drug code.
  • Explain how the Drug code can be used to interpret and aggregate data.

The WHODrug Global C3 format

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
  • Identify the different levels of information in the C3 format.
  • List the data elements available in the C3 format.
  • Identify the WHODrug Record ID (RID) in the C3 format.
  • Explain how and why a C3 format record can be assigned archived record designation.
  • Recognise the use of the name specifier field.

Course feedback

Great way to explain Drug coding and B3 vs C3 characteristics.
anonymous learner
80% of the learners who completed the course rated it as an excellent course
90% of the learners who completed the course found the course content very useful for their daily work

Questions and answers

How long does it take to complete the course?

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this course.

Do I receive an award?

Learners that complete successfully the course, receive a confirmation of completion.

What course should I take next?

After completing this course, we recommend learners to register in the fourth course of the series "4. Classifications of medicines and vaccines in WHODrug Global".

Will this course give me academic credit?

No, UMC is not an academic institution.

Where do I reach out if I face any issues or have further questions?

Please contact us here

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