NHS IT, Records and Data

Too many errors in NHS data – HSCIC

The quality of NHS data must be improved, according to a new report by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, the HSCIC has assumed responsibility for assuring the quality of national data used by NHS organisations.

The report stresses the need for high quality data and establishing criteria for measuring improvement in data recording.

This includes improving training and awareness of employees on the impact of poor data quality, the need for local system updates and changes, and a lack of standards and guidance on data recording procedures.

The report collated findings from the review of numerous data sets such as NHS workforce data, Hospital Episode Statistics, the Mental Health Minimum dataset, and Audit Commission figures.

The report also addressed a number of specific errors in the datasets it reviewed. It found that 5,000 patient records had been duplicated by the accidental assignation of new NHS number to existing patients.

Error rates in data governing hospital care fund payments ranged from zero to more than 20% depending on the hospital. Seven local authorities and two local councils submitted adult social care returns with 15-20% missing.

NHS trusts, commissioners, GP practices and councils are urged by the report to review the HSCIC’s information to assess and improve their quality of data.

HSCIC chief executive Tim Straughan said: “High quality information is essential for effective planning and commissioning and we want to see providers across the NHS give their fullest attention to ensuring accurate and comprehensive medical and managerial data.

“We see these initial findings as a starting point from which we will track improvements in data quality year on year. Each trust has its own summary data quality report which will help them focus on any areas that they need to prioritise.”

The report can be found at:

www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dqanationalreport12

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