On the prioritization of data quality challenges in e-health systems in South Africa

Abstract

Data quality is one of many challenges experienced in e-health. The collection of data with substandard data quality leads to inappropriate information for health and management purposes. Given evidence of challenges with regards to data quality in electronic health systems, the purpose of the study is to prioritise data quality challenges as experienced by data users of electronic healthcare systems in South Africa. The study adopted a sequential QUAL-quan mixed method research design towards the realisation of the research purpose. After carrying out a literature review on the background of e-health and the current status of research on data quality challenges, a qualitative study was conducted to verify and extend the theoretical list of data quality challenges. A quantitative study followed to prioritise data quality challenges as experienced by data users of electronic healthcare systems. Data users of electronic healthcare systems in South Africa served as the unit of analysis in the study. The data collection process included the conducting of interviews with four data quality experts to verify and extend the theoretical list of data quality challenges. This was followed by a survey targeting 100 data users of electronic healthcare systems in South Africa for which 82 responses were received.From the results of the study, a prioritised list of data quality challenges has been developed which can be applied to assist data users of electronic health care systems in South Africa to improve the quality of data in electronic healthcare systems. The most important data challenge is training. The prioritised list of data quality challenges allowed for evidence-based recommendations which can assist health institutions in South Africa to ensure future data quality.