Defining and Improving Data Quality in Medical Registries: A Literature Review, Case Study, and Generic Framework

Abstract

Over the past years the number of medical registries has increased sharply. Their value strongly depends on the quality of the data contained in the registry. To optimize data quality, special procedures have to be followed. A literature review and a case study of data quality formed the basis for the development of a framework of procedures for data quality assurance in medical registries. Procedures in the framework have been divided into procedures for the co-ordinating center of the registry (central) and procedures for the centers where the data are collected (local). These central and local procedures are further subdivided into (a) the prevention of insufficient data quality, (b) the detection of imperfect data and their causes, and (c) actions to be taken / corrections. The framework can be used to set up a new registry or to identify procedures in existing registries that need adjustment to improve data quality.

Risk of tuberculosis in patients treated with tumor necrosis factor antagonists due to incomplete prevention of reactivation of latent infection

“…To be reliable, data must be of high quality (6). The quality of our database is ensured by a clear definition of its purpose, an optimized number of variables, and an easy method of data collection that allows consistency checks.…”

Qualidade das bases de dados hospitalares no Brasil: alguns elementos

“…To deal with this problem, Arts et al 2 suggest that its dimensions be clearly predefined, as well as the way of measuring them and the reference patterns of quality.…”

“…Considering the advantages and the limited use of secondary databases, it is essential to approach the aspects related to the quality of this information, which potentially influences the results of the studies 2,5 . In this sense, considering that the credibility of data affects the practical use of information by administrators and by the society itself, the objective of this study is to describe problems regarding the quality of information about the service network and hospital production in Brazil.…”

“…However, it is unrealistic to assume there is any database completely free of error, even after strict auditing procedures 2 . Besides, the use of these databases in studies can be useful to improve the quality of care and information systems 7 .…”

“…The use of secondary databases for the development of studies about health services has been more frequent, especially when it comes to studies that assess the quality of hospital care 1,2 . The main advantages of these databases are the fast and less expensive acquirement of information and the possibility to conduct a temporal follow-up, besides the large volume of information with population and geographic amplitude.…”