multiple columns in DDList

How do I bind multiple columns to a drop down list.
I run a stored procedure to find a patient name.
I want to show the first and last name in the drop down list.
Here's a snipet:


If Not Page.IsPostBack Then
objSQLCmd = New SqlCommand
With objSQLCmd
.CommandText = "sp_GetPatientByName"
.CommandType = CommandType.StoredProcedure
.Connection = objConnection
.Parameters.Add("@LName", SqlDbType.Char).Value = strLName
.Parameters.Add("@FName", SqlDbType.Char).Value = strFName
End With

objDataAdapter = New SqlDataAdapter(objSQLCmd)
objDataSet = New DataSet
objDataAdapter.Fill(objDataSet)
ddlTest.DataSource = objDataSet
ddlTest.DataTextField = ("Last_Name")
'ddlTest.DataTextField = ("Last_Name" & ", " & "First_Name")
ddlTest.DataBind()
ddlTest.Items.Insert(0, "Select a Patient")
End If


Thanks in Advance!

The DropDownList can't do what you want unfortunately unless you populate it manually i.e not using datasource etc. Perhaps you could concatenate the two names in the Stored Procedure.

Code:

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SELECT Last_Name + ', ' + First_Name AS Full_Name

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Then you could databind to Full_Name.

DJ

That would work.
But how could I capture the users input to use against the database?

I really need:
SELECT Last_Name + ', ' + First_Name + ': ' + Med_Rec# AS Full_Name

But how could I capture the Med_Rec# to use to find history from the database (once the user selects the correct patient)?

Thanks

You'd load the Full_Name into the DataTextField and then the record number into the DataValueField. You can then access the SelectedValue to reference against the database.

DJ

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dj4uk

You'd load the Full_Name into the DataTextField and then the record number into the DataValueField. You can then access the SelectedValue to reference against the database.

DJ

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Can you show me code for that?
I am a rookie!
Thanks again!

OK, I understand now.
Just:
ddlTest.DataValueField = "Med_Rec#"

I changed my stored_proc to make this work.
I really appreciate your help!!!

I am still having some trouble with the SelectedValue.
I tried this:

txtMR.Text = ddlTest.SelectedValue

But it displays the "Select a Patient" before I select one and doesn't change when I do make a selection.
Can you show me how to correct this?

ASP.NET Multi-Column Combobox