Many clinical applications include data entry interfaces controlled or assisted by  protocols, templates or structured data entry forms. Each field on a data entry form may allow only a limited set of terms or concepts to be entered . The set of candidate   or  concept may range from very small (e.g. a set of priorities for a procedure) to very large (e.g. any general diagnosis). can be used to restrict the possible values that meet the requirements of a particular data entry protocol.

Examples of using reference sets to support search and data entry include:

• 5.2.1.1 Simple Reference Set can be used to constrain searches or provide values for selection lists.

• 5.2.1.8 Ordered Reference Set can be used to prioritize search results or provide an alternative ordering of search results.

• 5.2.1.6 DEPRECATED: Annotation Reference Set can be used to supplement search results or data entry options with additional textual or coded information, such as advice on intended usage.

• 5.9. Language Reference Set  can be used to ensure that the preferred descriptions, for a given dialect, care setting or clinical context, are displayed.

A can use an appropriate to display the valid data entry options and constrain text searches. For more detailed use case examples, please refer to the following sections: