# XForms

This chapter will explain and demonstrate the use of the XForms Module for patient data entry.

# What an XForm is

XForms is an XML format for specifying a data processing model for XML data and user interface(s) for the XML data, such as web forms. XForms was designed to be the next generation of HTML / XHTML forms, but is generic enough to use in a standalone manner or with presentation languages other than XHTML to describe a user interface and a set of common data manipulation tasks.

# What this module does

• Allows data entry to be done directly from any JavaScript enabled browser.

• Enables you to replace the default patient registration form with a custom one without any programming.

• Lets you enter observations during patient registration.

• Supports uploading of picture, sound, and video files together and displays and plays them.

• Lets you design XForms using a browser-based form designer.

• Serves OpenMRS forms as XForms to external applications.

• Serves users and patient sets, including medical history, to external applications.

• Accepts form data submitted from external XForms applications.

• Supports creation of patients and entry of observations for both new and existing patients using basic text SMS.

# What it doesn't do

• Give you as much flexibility as the HTML Form Entry module when it comes to the form layout and looks.

• Some features present in the HTML Form Entry module are not yet implemented (e.g.: relationships).

# Creating an XForm

In the Admin page, under the Forms section select Manage Forms.