Data quality

The DQMI is a monthly publication about data quality in the NHS, which provides data submitters with timely and transparent information.

Links to all of the DQMI publications, the associated methodology documents and the interactive report can be found below:

Changes to coverage calculation

There has been a small change in the coverage calculation to better reflect the overall coverage of a provider. This will show a slight change in some providers scores.

We have reviewed the methodology and have amended as needed.

\(C\ is\ the\ coverage\ calculated\ as\ \frac{Number \ of \ dataset\ a\ provider \ submitted \ data}{number\ of \ datasets\ a\ provider \ was\ expected \ to \ submit\ data}\)

As part of continued work to expand the depth of reporting of the DQMI across datasets work has been undertaken with the Tobacco Dependence and Alcohol Dependence Programmes to add a specific dashboard to help drive data quality in these areas. This dashboard will allow providers to assess their performance. 

Access the Power BI.

This report is intended to complement the tobacco and alcohol dependence patient level dashboards on FutureNHS (registration required). 

As part of continued work to expand the depth of reporting of the DQMI across data sets, work has been undertaken with NHS England and the MHSDS analysis and collection teams to expand the DQMI by a further 22 data items. A new version of the DQMI is now available with the inclusion of new data items following the release of the MHSDS version 5 in October 2021.  

The new data items will be implemented as experimental scores during the 2022/23 and 23/24 periods.
 

*Note the GENDER IDENTITY CODE is the new priority item on gender, but PERSON STATED GENDER data item has been retained only for the current 22/23 period to support providers transitioning to submitting gender identity code. We have provided additional guidance on collecting and submitting data for the data items on gender to support organisations and users to implement the Mental Health Services Data Set (MHSDS) v5.0.

The new data items have been collated to the DQMI-55 report following its methodology and reflected on the Power BI pages and visuals.

For more detail on new data item codes, please see the MHSDS v4.1 to v5.0 mapping guidance.​

A webinar and consultations with providers are currently being planned to showcase these changes and gather feedback on their appropriateness from a coverage, validity, completeness and accuracy perspective.

As part of continued work to expand the depth of reporting of the DQMI across datasets work has been undertaken with the NHS England and the CSDS Analysis and Collection teams to expand the CSDS DQMI by adding a UCR and MSK specific dashboard to help drive data quality in these areas. The table below details the criteria for records and the data items reported. This dashboard will remain experimental for 3 months to allow providers to assess their performance, at which point they will transfer over into standard reporting.

This report is intended to compliment the pre-existing UCR dashboard. 

The Provider Data Quality Assurance Framework is aimed at provider organisations who, in terms of data quality assurance, need to get started and those that are looking to build on their existing data quality assurance processes and practices.  

The framework covers five main themes:

• oversight
• process
• people
• systems
• measures

Within each section describes its objective, the benefits associate with it and current best practice. 

Several sections include a case study and links to supporting resources and the intention is to extend over time through a collaboration site that will be launched in February 2020.

Each part of the framework also includes an Assurance Checklist to assist provider organisations assess where they are in terms of data quality assurance and what gaps there might be that the framework can help fill. The framework will continue to be developed and additional resources made available through this web page.

The documents can be accessed here:

• Provider Data Quality Assurance Framework – Part 1
• Provider Data Quality Assurance Framework – Part 2  

The framework has been developed to meet the requirements of Assertion 1.7 of the Data Security & Protection tool and support the published technical guidance.

Providers are encouraged to complete either part 1 or part 2 of the online data quality assurance self-assessment surveys. 

Self-assessment Data Quality Assurance checklist - Part 1

Self-Assessment Data Quality Assurance Checklist - Part 2

Both surveys (part 1 and part 2) correspond to part 1 and part 2 respectively of the Provider Data Quality Assurance Framework.

Responses to the survey will assist NHS Digital to understand national data quality assurance practice and associated support requirements.  

If you have any queries these should all be logged via NHS England’s self-service portal (preferred method) or via the National Service Desk (NSD) by calling 0300 303 3035 or by emailing [email protected]. Please include ‘Data Quality Maturity Index (DQMI) Query’ in the short description (self-service portal), as this will assist with routing your enquiry through to the correct team. If you experience any issues registering with or using the self-service portal, please call the NSD.