Database quality assessment in research in paramedicine: a scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Paramedic practice and healthcare systems research.
• Data management and quality assurance.
• Evidence-based emergency medical services.

Background:

• Paramedic practice faces challenges in data documentation, access, and integration.
• Variable data quality in paramedicine research impacts study validity.
• Existing database quality assessment (DQA) frameworks are used in healthcare, but their application in paramedicine is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of data quality assessment (DQA) practices in paramedic research.
• To describe the range, extent, and nature of DQA applications within this field.
• To inform future research and improve data integrity in paramedicine.

Main Methods:

• Systematic scoping review following established guidelines (Johanna Briggs Institute, Arksey and O'Malley, PRISMA-S).
• Comprehensive search of major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL) from 2011-2021.
• Inclusion of studies reporting quantitative DQA results specific to the paramedic practice environment; exclusion of protocols, commentaries, and case studies.

Main Results:

• The review will summarize study characteristics, DQA outcomes, and key findings from included literature.
• A detailed chart will present the identified DQA practices and their application in paramedicine research.
• The findings will highlight the current state and potential gaps in DQA within the field.

Conclusions:

• The review will provide a comprehensive overview of DQA in paramedic research.
• Results will inform the development and implementation of robust data quality standards.
• This work aims to enhance the reliability and validity of research in emergency medical services.