Validation of multisource electronic health record data: an application to blood transfusion data

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Research Article

Hendrik Koffijberg¹  Martine C. de Bruijne²  Maria M.W. Koopman³  Jan M.M. Rondeel⁴  Kit C.B. Roes⁵  Loan R. van Hoeven⁶  Mart P. Janssen⁶  Anja Leyte⁷  Peter F. Kemper⁸ 

[1] Department of Health Technology & Services Research, MIRA Institute for biomedical technology and technical medicine, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522, Enschede, NB, The Netherlands;Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, Amsterdam, BT, The Netherlands;Department of Transfusion Medicine, Sanquin Blood bank, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066, Amsterdam, CX, The Netherlands;Isala, Dr. Van Heesweg 2, 8025, Zwolle, AB, The Netherlands;Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3508, Utrecht, GA, The Netherlands;Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3508, Utrecht, GA, The Netherlands;Transfusion Technology Assessment Department, Sanquin Research, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066, Amsterdam, CX, The Netherlands;OLVG, Oosterpark 9, 1091, Amsterdam, AC, The Netherlands;Transfusion Technology Assessment Department, Sanquin Research, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066, Amsterdam, CX, The Netherlands;

关键词: Data validation;    Data quality;    Routinely collected data;    Linkage of multiple sources;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12911-017-0504-7

 received in 2017-03-08, accepted in 2017-07-10,  发布年份 2017

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundAlthough data from electronic health records (EHR) are often used for research purposes, systematic validation of these data prior to their use is not standard practice. Existing validation frameworks discuss validity concepts without translating these into practical implementation steps or addressing the potential influence of linking multiple sources. Therefore we developed a practical approach for validating routinely collected data from multiple sources and to apply it to a blood transfusion data warehouse to evaluate the usability in practice.MethodsThe approach consists of identifying existing validation frameworks for EHR data or linked data, selecting validity concepts from these frameworks and establishing quantifiable validity outcomes for each concept. The approach distinguishes external validation concepts (e.g. concordance with external reports, previous literature and expert feedback) and internal consistency concepts which use expected associations within the dataset itself (e.g. completeness, uniformity and plausibility). In an example case, the selected concepts were applied to a transfusion dataset and specified in more detail.ResultsApplication of the approach to a transfusion dataset resulted in a structured overview of data validity aspects. This allowed improvement of these aspects through further processing of the data and in some cases adjustment of the data extraction. For example, the proportion of transfused products that could not be linked to the corresponding issued products initially was 2.2% but could be improved by adjusting data extraction criteria to 0.17%.ConclusionsThis stepwise approach for validating linked multisource data provides a basis for evaluating data quality and enhancing interpretation. When the process of data validation is adopted more broadly, this contributes to increased transparency and greater reliability of research based on routinely collected electronic health records.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2017