Designing a Minimum Dataset for the Cow's Milk Protein Allergy in Children: Identifying and Evaluating the Key...

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) occurs when the body recognizes the protein in cow's milk as a foreign substance and attacks it. This study aims to design a minimum data set (MDS) for CMPA in children, as a prerequisite for implementing related registries and applications.

Initially for this descriptive cross-sectional study, a literature review was performed. Then the required data elements were obtained from the studies and a questionnaire was designed. Subsequently, to approve the data set, the designed questionnaire was distributed to 20 relevant specialists throughout a two-round Delphi technique. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics were used.

Initially 137 data elements were obtained in five categories. After performing the primary round of Delphi, 108 data elements were accepted, and 29 data elements entered the second round of Delphi. Then, 12 data elements were accepted, and 17 data elements were removed. Totally, the final accepted data elements reached 120.

Determining a qualified MDS for CMPA in children is the most important step to implement health information systems such as registries. It can provide standardized data elements helping health managers identify the necessary information to create a successful system, also for epidemiologists, researchers and health policy makers obtaining the necessary statistics and information.