Review: electronic health records and the reliability and validity of quality measures: a review of the literature

Med Care Res Rev. 2010 Oct;67(5):503-27. doi: 10.1177/1077558709359007. Epub 2010 Feb 11.

Abstract

Previous reviews of research on electronic health record (EHR) data quality have not focused on the needs of quality measurement. The authors reviewed empirical studies of EHR data quality, published from January 2004, with an emphasis on data attributes relevant to quality measurement. Many of the 35 studies reviewed examined multiple aspects of data quality. Sixty-six percent evaluated data accuracy, 57% data completeness, and 23% data comparability. The diversity in data element, study setting, population, health condition, and EHR system studied within this body of literature made drawing specific conclusions regarding EHR data quality challenging. Future research should focus on the quality of data from specific EHR components and important data attributes for quality measurement such as granularity, timeliness, and comparability. Finally, factors associated with poor or variability in data quality need to be better understood and effective interventions developed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Electronic Health Records* / standards
  • Humans
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / methods
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / standards*
  • Quality Indicators, Health Care / standards
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Research Design
  • United States