Flow Vector Fields

A flow vector is a field that you can add to your custom note template that allows you to track values over time.  Think of the flow field (across all note templates) as a spreadsheet (i.e. Excel spreadsheet).  On a specific date of service, your therapist will be entering a 'row' in that spreadsheet.  For example, a nutritionist may want to track BMI or weight over time.  A Physical Therapist may want to track repetitions and weight for a specific exercise over time.  This can all be done and charted using the flow vector field. 

Adding a Flow Vector Field

From the edit note template form, click the add field icon  at the top right and then in the menu of available fields, click the Series / Vector option under the Flow Sheet Fields section.  You will now see a form as shown in the image to the right.

• Title: Enter the title of the field.  This will be displayed at the top of the field.  For example, you can enter the name of the exercise as the title.
• Num Columns:  From the drop down, choose the number of descriptors you want to collect.  For example, if you want to record repetitions, weight and duration, then you would choose 3 columns.

Once you have chosen the number of columns, the preview  will update with number of columns you indicated.  In each text box, enter the label for each of the descriptors (for example, 'reps', 'weight', 'duration').

What does Chart It mean?

Under each descriptor there is a checkbox labeled Chart It.  If you check that box under a specific descriptor, then Therabill will force that value to be numeric when your therapist is entering the note.  You will then be able to graph that field (see Viewing The Flow Vector later in the article).

Once you have it entered the way you want, click the Save button to save the flow vector field to your note template.

Using the Flow Vector Field

Once you have added the flow vector field to a note template, you will then want your therapist to use it on their note templates.  When the therapist opens up the note template (using the Documentation tab on the edit session form), the flow vector field will be available for them.  The flow vector field will appear on the note template as shown in the image below.

The therapist simply enters the values into the appropriate text box.  These values are then being recorded as an entry for that date of service.

Viewing the Flow Vector (The Flow Sheet)

At the top of the flow sheet  there is a little time folder icon  (see image above, red arrow).  Clicking this icon will open up the flow sheet window (shown in the image to the right).  The flow sheet window will list the values that were entered for each descriptor over time (much like a spreadsheet). 

Graphing descriptor values

If, when creating the flow vector field (see Adding Flow Vector Field above), you chose the Chart It option, then you will be able to graph those fields.  The column header of the descriptors that you marked as Chart it will be colored in blue.  Click the header to graph that column.  A graph of that column will appear at the top of the flow sheet.