> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.welkinhealth.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.welkinhealth.com/designer/documents-and-assessments/filtering-message-template-variables.md).

# Filtering Message Template Variables

## Overview

Message templates, assessment PDFs, data views, and PFA folder pages in Welkin support dynamic variables that are automatically replaced with patient or encounter data when the template is rendered. Dates and datetimes in these variables are formatted based on the **locale** of the Point of Contact (PoC) care team member.

***

## Date Format by Locale

The date format used in template variables depends on the locale configured on the PoC user's profile:

| Locale               | Date format  | Datetime format        |
| -------------------- | ------------ | ---------------------- |
| **EN\_US** (default) | `MM-dd-yyyy` | `MM-dd-yyyy h:mm a VV` |
| **EN\_EU**           | `dd-MM-yyyy` | `dd-MM-yyyy HH:mm VV`  |

For example, December 11, 2024 at 12:15 AM (Australia/Hobart) would appear as:

* **EN\_US:** `12-11-2024 12:15 AM Australia/Hobart`
* **EN\_EU:** `11-12-2024 00:15 Australia/Hobart`

This applies to the following encounter template variables:

* `{{ENCOUNTER.*.startDate}}`
* `{{ENCOUNTER.*.startDateTime}}`
* `{{ENCOUNTER.*.endDateTime}}`

It also applies to date and datetime fields in **assessment PDFs**, **CDT date/datetime fields** rendered in data views, and **PFA folder** welcome and conclusion pages.

***

## Setting a User's Locale

A user's locale is set in their user profile in the Admin Portal. Contact your Welkin administrator if you need to update the locale for a care team member.

***

## Related Topics

* [Filtering with Message Template Variables](/designer/documents-and-assessments/filtering-with-message-template-variables.md) – variable filters and formatting
* [Communication Templates](https://docs.welkinhealth.com/care/communication/communication-templates) – using templates in Care
* [Create Automated Appointment Reminders](/designer/automations/create-automated-appointment-reminders.md) – using encounter variables in automations


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