[Method for the quality assessment of data collection processes in epidemiological studies]

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Survey Methodology

Background:

• Quantitative evaluation of primary data collection in epidemiological surveys lacks standardized criteria and practical application.
• Existing methods for assessing data collection quality are insufficient, necessitating new approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a methodology for assessing overall survey quality during data collection.
• To identify quality-relevant developments using inspection points (quality indicators).
• To supplement existing standardized data analyses with a process-oriented quality assessment.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes site visits with standardized checklists by monitors to detect deviations in primary data collection.
• Employs numerical calculation of quality indicators to derive quantitative results for overall and dimensional quality.
• Implements categorization and color-coding of score results for visual prioritization and intervention identification.

Main Results:

• Provides insights into the current quality of data collection processes.
• Identifies specific areas requiring quality improvement interventions.
• Enables the tracking of process quality development over time on an intercomparable basis.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology effectively identifies deviations from data collection norms.
• Facilitates focused quality analyses and aids in tracing the causes of significant deviations.
• Supports the enhancement of overall survey data quality through systematic evaluation.