title: Assessing data quality for decision support--emphasis on secondary analysis.
abstract: In secondary analysis, the use of available data makes it possible for the researcher to bypass the most time-consuming and costly steps in the research process. However, there are some noteworthy pitfalls and problems in working with existing data, especially the uncertainty of data quality. If the integrity and quality of data are not assured, statistical analysis of the data will not be reliable, no matter what statistical procedure is used. If the analysis is not reliable, the information used for decision support will not be accurate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Administration, Nova Southeastern Univ., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA.
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Lai
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000592:standards; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical / Q000592:standards*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007344:Insurance Claim Reporting; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D011786:Quality Control; D014481:United States