A Wider Perspective on Data Validation: A Multiregion Collaboration.

Area of Science:

• Trauma research
• Data management
• Public health

Background:

• High-quality data is crucial for trauma programs and research.
• Existing data validation guidance primarily focuses on trauma center levels.
• Broader data validation (regional, state) can be a valuable tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve data collection and submission across local, regional, and state levels.
• To implement logic-based data validation for enhanced accuracy.
• To identify and address systemic data quality issues.

Main Methods:

• Logic edits were identified and accuracy rates tracked quarterly.
• Phase 1 validation focused on initial data fields, with Phase 2 including new and previously inaccurate fields.
• Data from Phase 2 were compared against the state trauma registry.

Main Results:

• Five of seven validated data fields achieved 90% accuracy in both Phase 1 and Phase 2.
• The project supported registrar education and improved data collection solutions within registry software.
• Systemic data issues, previously unnoticed at the trauma center level, were identified at a higher regional level.

Conclusions:

• Robust data validation is essential for maintaining an accurate trauma registry.
• Engaging higher-level organizations, such as trauma regions, offers a valuable new perspective on data validation.
• This regional data validation strategy provided benefits beyond standard center-level validation.