Data validation techniques used in admission discharge and transfer systems: Necessity of use and effect on data quality

Abstract

BackgroundOne of the most important functions of the admission unit is the speed of staff in receiving the information correctly and recording them on the computer, and providing suitable conditions for continuing the patient's treatment. The occurrence of errors in data recording affects the quality of care and may have unfavorable consequences. The application of data validation techniques can help users to record information correctly. ObjectivesHence, the present study aims to identify the techniques and determine the level of compliance with them, their necessity in Admission Discharge Transfer (ADT) systems, and their effect on data quality. MethodsThis observational study investigating data quality in the ADT systems was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, a checklist of data control techniques was developed by reviewing the literature. The admission unit of hospital information systems in different units of the teaching hospitals of Kerman (in terms of application of data validation techniques) was evaluated. In the next stage, a researcher-made questionnaire was designed, and users' views on the necessity of using these techniques in HIS and their effect on data quality were evaluated. Data analysis was done using frequency, standard deviation, and mean and Friedman ranking test. ResultsIn this study, six data techniques were investigated in the studied systems. Users gave the highest mean for the necessity of applying data control techniques for the first name, surname, and national code data items and the lowest mean for the data items related to vital signs. In the ranking of data validation techniques in terms of the importance of their application, the highest rank was obtained in the components of pattern control (17.29), and the lowest rank was obtained in delta control (2.91). In the general ranking of the effect of techniques on data quality, pattern control (5.95) and interval control (4.95), respectively, obtained the highest mean (out of 6). ConclusionsThe results revealed that the existing HISs had fewer benefits of using data control. However, users not only consider it necessary to use these controls in the systems but also believe that their application will improve their performance in recording information. Thus, for accurate documentation, HIS designers must implement these techniques in these systems, and their application should become a mandatory standard for system development.