Data Quality and Diversity in Health Care and Health Research

Data are an essential asset in health research and health care. The idea of a data driven health system got great attention. However, initial observations showed a risk for diversity, equity, and inclusion arising from an insufficient data quality. As a byproduct of a broader literature review interested in aspects of data quality for empirical health research, evidence sources dealing with the relationship between data quality and diversity were identified. Thirteen studies could be included in a descriptive analysis. They covered aspects concerning age, race and ethnicity, sex and gender, and social status. Risks occurred due to misclassifications, missing data, use of broad categories, and an unawareness regarding cultural and other factors influencing data quality. The consideration of risks concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion should be an integral part of the planning and the management of data collections, either in health research as well as in health care.