Turning point for data accreditation
At about two thirds of the way through England’s Data Accreditation
Project David Tucker reviews results and considers future
directions.
keywords: data accreditation,
data standards, data quality, data collection.
abstract
Data accreditation has played a key part in raising the profile of
data quality within NHS acute trusts. The three stages of the process
are aimed at self-assessment and self-quality improvement, placing
emphasis on written policies, and procedures to ensure the accuracy of
data collection. Trusts invite external assessment and certification
when confident they have achieved national standards.
Although the process follows an accepted quality-assurance format,
experience of the first two stages points to the need for a fundamental
rethink. The move to incorporate data accreditation within the
information quality element of information governance is timely and
appropriate, particularly given the push towards an integrated care
records service. This article is not about information governance; it is
about marking the contribution of data accreditation towards quality
improvements within the NHS, and about documenting a project in
transition.
Br J Healthcare Comput Info Manage 2003; 20(6): 15–7. |
