The data quality index: improving data quality in Irish healthcare records

This paper describes the Data Quality Index (DQI), a new data quality governance method to improve data quality in both paper and electronic healthcare records. This is an important use case as digital transformation is a slow process in healthcare and hybrid systems exist in many countries such as Ireland. First a baseline study of the nature and extent of data quality issues in Irish healthcare records was conducted. The DQI model and tools were then developed, based on established data quality and data governance principles. Evaluation of the model and tools showed a significant improvement in data quality was achieved in a healthcare setting. This initial evaluation of the model was against paper healthcare records, but the model can also be used as part of an electronic healthcare record system.