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The following mapping principles were used to develop the map.

Semantic match, even if characteristics/attributes are not an exact match

The map was developed based on the principle that the source and target codes of 'equivalent' maps must be an exact semantic match. However, the characteristics of a given PDF in Standard Terms may not exactly match the logical definition of a SNOMED CT concept, as long as the "mismatch" does not cause a semantic conflict.  Indeed in some cases, the mismatch may enhance the match.  Here are some examples:

• The SNOMED CT FSN is apparently narrower than the EDQM Term based on the intended site characteristic but is an exact match based on the definition; this usually occurs when the EDQM Term uses a grouper concept for the characteristic, whereas the SNOMED CT uses the specific concept for the attribute.
  • EDQM intended site "cutaneous/transdermal" whereas SNOMED CT has explicitly either cutaneous or transdermal as appropriate.
  • EDQM intended site "oromucosal" whereas SNOMED CT has explicitly either buccal, sublingual, etc., as appropriate.
• The SNOMED CT PDF uses a different administration method than the EDQM Term, but the difference is not considered clinically significant.
  • EDQM administration method for "rectal foam" is the very generic "administration," whereas SNOMED CT has the administration method "apply".

A characteristic/attribute mismatch must respect the semantics of the Term: for example, the EDQM PDF "oral gel" is to used for medicinal products that will be swallowed, whereas the SNOMED CT "conventional release oral gel" has an administration method of "apply" this is not appropriate since application implies use on a body surface.  (Note, this SNOMED CT concept is currently subject to a change request to resolve this and allow a semantic match)

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Several groups of EDQM PDFs have greater granularity than the similar dose forms used in the definition of clinical drugs in the SNOMED CT International edition. In order to provide a good semantic match, especially for the description of RCDs, SNOMED CT has the more granular dose form concepts , modeled such that the more granular PDF concepts can be grouped under a less granular parent concept.

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In order to achieve the full definition of PDFs with this greater granularity, some additional basic dose forms have been created in SNOMED CT.  This occurs particularly for (but not exclusively) with oral dose forms:

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Wherever possible, patterns for administration method have been used for all PDF concepts, and these contribute to ensuring concepts have an exact semantic match,.

Drops and sprays

Both drops and spray liquid dose forms are present in EDQM and in SNOMED CT.  In EDQM, some terms use "drops" or "spray" as the basic dose form, and terms that use the more usual "solution/suspension/emulsion/dispersion" basic dose forms. The former terms are original and are not recommended for use in new medicinal product authorisations. 

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