A system for solution-orientated reporting of errors associated with the extraction of routinely collected clinical data for research and quality improvement.
BACKGROUND
We have used routinely collected clinical data in epidemiological and quality improvement research for over 10 years. We extract, pseudonymise and link data from heterogeneous distributed databases; inevitably encountering errors and problems.


OBJECTIVE
To develop a solution-orientated system of error reporting which enables appropriate corrective action.


METHODS
Review of the 94 errors, which occurred in 2008/9. Previously we had described failures in terms of the data missing from our response files; however this provided little information about causation. We therefore developed a taxonomy based on the IT component limiting data extraction.


RESULTS
Our final taxonomy categorised errors as: (A) Data extraction Method and Process; (B) Translation Layer and Proxy Specification; (C) Shape and Complexity of the Original Schema; (D) Communication and System (mainly Software-based) Faults; (E) Hardware and Infrastructure; (F) Generic/Uncategorised and/or Human Errors. We found 79 distinct errors among the 94 reported; and the categories were generally predictive of the time needed to develop fixes.


CONCLUSIONS
A systematic approach to errors and linking them to problem solving has improved project efficiency and enabled us to better predict any associated delays.
Michalakidis
Georgios
G
Department of Computing, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
Kumarapeli
Pushpa
P
Ring
Andre
A
van Vlymen
Jeremy
J
Krause
Paul
P
de Lusignan
Simon
S
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057225:Data Mining / Q000379:methods*; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000145:classification* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008923:Missouri; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012308:Risk Management / Q000458:organization & administration*