Data quality assessment reports

Help the independent sector providers, contract managers (DH and PCT commissioners) and other users of the data understand the completeness and quality of data submissions from the independent sector.

Initial data quality reports will be produced as documents, further reports will be published with a web-based reporting tool. The reports will:

  • cover as many as possible of the independent sector required data collections, commissioning datasets and central returns, and show comparisons with NHS organisations
  • highlight the most important quality issues, with guidance for resolution

Download the reports

This report looks at data for Q1 2008/09 (April 08 to June 08) from the APC CDS (day cases and inpatients) and the outpatient CDS submitted to SUS. It covers all ISPs submitting this data, comprising 22 ISTC sites and 10 other ISP organisations.

The overall level of valid data for ISPs has improved in both APC, and in particular, Outpatient SUS submissions for Q1 2008/09 compared to submissions for 2007/08. A number of ISPs have addressed many of the IT system issues that have previously prevented good data quality, but there are still a small number of ISPs where progress has been limited across these data fields. There are some more complex data quality issues that require specific attention, particularly those fields where the accuracy and completeness of data is essential in supporting financial reimbursement, and also to support patients in informing their choice of provider (Free Choice).

Case Study

Independent report measures data quality of independent sector providers

Lorraine Foley, Head of Informatics at the Healthcare Commission, said: "As the Chair of Joint Agency Working Group on Independent Healthcare Information I am greatly encouraged to see that the data quality of independent sector information is being assessed on the same basis as NHS information. This is an important step in progressing the agenda to ultimately align NHS and independent sector information to support the creation of a level playing field across healthcare. The NHS Information Centre will continue to have a significant role keeping the momentum to improve the quality, quantity and use of independent sector information."

Task list

What's new