The difference between forms and letters is that letters can request input, forms cannot [or rather they can, but the input will not be prompted for and the input fields will get their default values].

Hence, if one is constructing a document that cannot get all its data from the system (eg the Rabies vaccination batch number), then one has to use a letter rather than a form.

However, although forms have a product component, letters do not, hence one cannot use a letter if one wants any product information.

Furthermore, although one can attach a letter to a product, it will be treated as a form in that any input fields will not be prompted for.

Conclusions:

• if a document is to be attached to a product, it has to be a form if it is to access the product information
• if a letter is attached to a product, any input field will not be prompted for
• if you want to use a 'manual' document (ie a form or letter that you call up using new|form or new|letter) then if you need it to prompt for information, it must be a letter, but then it cannot access any product information; you can use a form, but this will not prompt for input but can access product information.

Suggestions:

• letters should be able to access product information
• if a letter is attached to a product then any input fields should be prompted for

Note that in the above, both the letters and forms are in fact patient letters and patient forms.

Regards, Tim G