Summary
Objective: The objectives of this study are to 1) create a quality assessment tool for socio-demographic
data aligned with the needs of Community Health Centres (CHCs) and based on the data
quality framework of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), and 2)
test the feasibility of the tool in CHCs.
Methods: The tool was developed based on both theoretical and practical knowledge. A review
of the literature was performed to identify data quality frameworks and dimensions
that could be employed. In addition, informal discussions with Community Health Centres
staff members holding various positions were conducted and a team of subject matter
experts was established. This approach supported the alignment between the tool (i.e.,
the indicators developed, the rating scale, and weighting system) and the setting
for which it has been designed. The tool was pilot tested in five CHCs across Ontario.
Results: The decision to focus on socio-demographic data was based on findings from the discussions
with staff members. The team established nine principles for the development of the
tool, including the use of computer software, whenever possible, to query the data
and ensure consistency of the measurement. Data quality scores ranged from 45 to 74
on a scale of 0 (lowest quality) to 100 (highest data quality), with one CHC that
was not able to run all of the queries. The feedback from staff was positive and supports
the feasibility of the tool as an application of the CIHI data quality framework in
a local setting.
Conclusion: Pilot test results demonstrate the feasibility of the tool and an applicability of
the CIHI framework as a basis for developing tools for data quality assessment in
health care organizations.
Citation: Laberge M, Shachak A. Developing a tool to assess the quality of socio-demographic
data in community health centres. Appl Clin Inf 2012; 4:1–11
http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2012-10-CR-0041
Keywords
Data quality - assessment - primary care - electronic health records
