No clue where to start

[jdm0804]

I am trying to build a database for my job (at a psychiatric hospital) which will allow me to keep up with current and former patient data (birthdates, record numbers, doctors, appointment dates, etc.) and I really want it to look polished, but I honestly and truly have no clue where to start.

Some of the specific things that I want to be able to do with this program are:

1.Track current and former patient names, phone numbers, doctors, diagnoses, physical data, which program they are (were) under, appointment dates, and attendance to therapy groups

2. Coordinate and edit schedules for transportation



3. Create, edit, and print menus (we serve the patients meals).

I would like for all three of these things to be independent but related (eg, menus for the patients scheduled to be in attendance)

So that is what I am attempting to construct, but the trouble is that it is well above the amount of training I've received for Access. Also, I'm not 100% sure it's even possible. I'm running 2003, because my job doesn't understand what "keeping up with the times" means...

Any tips, directions, guides, or other help whatsoever would be greatly appreciated!

[alansidman]

Here is an excellent starting point to understand how relational databases

should be designed.

http://www.deeptraining.com/litwin/d...aseDesign.aspx

Give it a start once you have an understanding and post back with specific issues you may have in your db.

BTW--Many experienced users in this forum are still operating on earlier versions of Access. It works well and often is the least common denominator in resloving general issues.