Resolving fundamental quality issues in linked datasets for clinical care

Abstract

The objective of this study was to resolve the problem whereby data entry error rates are compounded within a comprehensive Electronic Health Record (EHR). This is a prerequisite if quality issues are to be addressed through electronic record linkage as a step towards integrating personal health data. In our hospital, electronic record linkage of records included data collected through systematic validation of primary care notes and all other regional diabetes-specific data sources. Using manual validation (the systematic collection of data from paper records) as a gold standard, data error rates from individual clinical sources were calculated. An automated system was designed for managing ..