Data Quality Improvement: An Example of Using Consensus-Based Best Practice Guidelines to Improve IIS Operations

Background:
Washington State's Immunization Information System, CHILD Profile, began a data quality initiative in late 2007. At that time, CHILD Profile was a mature IIS, with highly experienced staff and established methods for data loading and quality checks. However, those processes had not been closely examined in several years. In embarking on this initiative, we looked to the American Immunization Registry Association (AIRA) for best practice ideas. AIRA's “Modeling of Immunization Registry Operations Workgroup” (MIROW) published the Data Quality Assurance Guidebook in February 2008. This guide formed the foundation of our efforts and was a valuable tool.

Objectives:
To ensure that data being submitted from organizations to the CHILD Profile system continues to grow and that the quality, timeliness and accuracy of data continues to improve.

Methods:
- Hired a Data Quality Coordinator to spearhead the data quality improvement effort.
- Used a team/workgroup approach to develop strategies and implement processes.
- Developed and prioritized objectives related to quality, timeliness, accuracy.
- Reviewed and utilized business rules from the MIROW document to analyze current practices in relation to best practices.

Results:
- Adapted 21 of the 32 MIROW Data Quality business rules.
- Current business processes were revised and improved based on guidance from the MIROW document.
- Developed policies and procedures that supported the adapted business rules for Washington.
- Improved quality of data in several key areas.

Conclusions:
The MIROW Data Quality Assurance in IIS document is a useful tool. Accepted standards and best practices developed by the IIS community can provide valuable guidance in evaluating your current business practices and revising them to improve operations, and in this case the accuracy, timeliness and completeness of the data being accepted.