BACKGROUND:
The quality of the data in immunization registries is as important as how a registry works. However, many times the emphasis and pressure on registries is to get large amounts of data whether that means electronically transferring billing data or entering historical data as quickly (and economically) as possible. SDIR has identified irregular data such as “bad” social security numbers, wrong zip codes and misspelled city names. Registry staff recognized that various methods would have to be developed to approach practices and users on the correction of data.

OBJECTIVE:
Develop an annual quality assurance plan that identifies the different kinds of data in a registry that can be problematic and formulate varied approaches to address the root problems.

METHOD:
In regular quality management meetings, Registry staff reviewed “bad” data issues and discussed different approaches to centrally correcting data. They brainstormed how to work with providers to prevent the recurrence of the same issues. Also, since staff time to work on the data quality issues was limited, a plan was developed to spread the quality assurance work over the year.

RESULT:
The same SDIR staff members that train users also help to address data quality in their monitoring activities. Registry methods to address the correction of irregular and unusable data are varied and adaptable to each practice that uses the registry.

CONCLUSION:
Data quality assurance is of concern to registry staff and users. As registries get more users and more data, the data irregularities can seem insurmountable and the need to address these problems increases exponentially.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will learn how to develop an annual data quality assurance plan and gain insight into what quality assurance issues are important to consider.