KEYWORDS:
Data quality, resources, data management, data cleanup, and continuous quality improvement
BACKGROUND:
The KIDSNET system holds data related to immunizations, lead screening, WIC, EI, home visiting, Vital Records and Newborn Screening data for children born from 1/1/1997. Most data is imported to KIDSNET electronically, resulting in a significant proportion of records not matching. Most immunizations administered are data entered manually resulting in need for standard procedures to match.
OBJECTIVE:
Illustrate the direct link and impact between data quality and resources for the adequate maintenance of a registry
METHOD:
KIDSNET had scattered resources to maintain the database. Staffs from other areas were partially dedicated to KIDSNET to provide support in the most critical areas, leaving data quality as a lower priority. During the last year, KIDSNET added staff capacity within data management, using a model of developing areas of expertise. With added resources, the team formulated a long-term plan.
RESULT:
A Data Management Team was formalized, with 4 data managers. Specific areas of responsibility were delineated; accountability increased; a mechanism to share expertise among the data managers was created, and a CQI plan is being implemented.
CONCLUSION:
In times of scarce resources, creativity and teamwork are critical to improve quality and results of a database. The CQI plan designed by data managers includes the design of a data dictionary, policies/procedures for report design, and also documented need for additional resources.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Utilize data management capacity to improve data quality
Learn from one successful strategy to build data management infrastructure
Capitalize on team knowledge to formulate long term plans
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