Running head: DATA INTEGRITY 1

Data Integrity

Tonya Bright

Jacksonville State University

NU 711

Biostatistics and Translating Evidence

Dr. Gulledge

February 19, 2020

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Data Integrity

The quality and availability of data determine the usefulness of research in implementing

change and improving outcomes. A significant problem in data integrity is the inconsistency in

data collection, documentation, and coding, which hinders the applicability of research findings.

There are four divisions of quality, including intrinsic, contextual, representational, and

accessibility. Intrinsic quality refers to the accuracy of the data. Contextual quality consists of the

completeness of records, timeliness, and lack of detail. Representational quality incorporates the

interpretability of data in different settings or circumstances. Accessibility refers to cost, the

security of data, and access challenges. To use research in evidence-based practice, these

characteristics of quality must be met (Knepper, Sonenberg, & Savage, 2019).

Integrity is important throughout the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project

implementation, analysis, and evaluation. Early correction of mistakes, like missing information

or out-of-range values, yields clean, accurate data. Setting limits on data entry fields with choices

or drop-down menus decreases the chance for errors. Cleaning is the term Sylvia and Terhaar use

to verify data. Knowing which delimiters the statistical software uses like commas, spaces, or

colons helps to separate values and avoid confusion during data entry. Knowing the headings use

the first line of columns and data is entered on the second line aids correct data entry. Headings

help to clarify which columns should have letters, numbers, times, dates, or percentages and

assists in finding errors easily (Sylvia & Terhaar, 2018).

Managing data errors improves data quality. When discovering missing data, further

investigation is needed to determine if the outcome of the project is affected. Is only one value

missing from the data, or an entire row missing? Is it a data entry mistake, or did the participant

leave an answer blank? If using a survey, does the instrument have instructions for handling
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missing data? If the missing information is a part of a paired result, the evaluation would not

include incomplete information. Is it a file management error where the entire file was altered

rather than an individual variable? Was it an error in merging data or splitting data? Was it a

restructuring error with the swapping of variables or flipping of rows and columns? Corrections

must precede analysis and evaluation (Sylvia & Terhaar, 2018).

Knepper, Sonenberg, and Savage (2019) wrote of one example when missing data

interfered with research application. With the increasing cost of health care and a shortfall of

primary care providers (PCPs), a study conducted to evaluate the care provided by nurse

practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in comparison with that of physicians.

However, when reviewing records of Medicaid patients, the provider was not coded. There was

no determination if a NP, PA, or physician provided the care. In researching the error, they

found some states do not allow NPs to have billing privileges, leaving physicians to complete

billing. Medicaid is one of the largest databases available to researchers to study the health

outcomes of vulnerable populations. But, the inconsistencies of coding and incomplete

documentation undermine efficient and accurate data to improve health care quality and inform

policy (Knepper, Sonenberg, and Savage, 2019).

Using statistical software allows documentation of each component in the analysis

process. The use of computer software aids in the reproducibility of results, communicating with

stakeholders, performing advanced analytical functions, and processing large amounts of

information. Including a data dictionary helps to explain variables, format, instructions, and

possible answers. A dictionary provides a history of the data set, which is essential in

communicating with analysts and project leaders while assisting in the interpretation of data and

results (Sylvia & Terhaar, 2018).

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Data should be “attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, and accurate (ALCOA),

as well as complete, consistent, enduring, and available” (World Health Organization {WHO},

2019, p. 777, 783). The WHO emphasizes the security needed when using electronic

documentation. The ability to change data by modifying, deleting, or adding dates and times of

events or values of variables, should be restricted. Monitoring of privileges for accessing data is

necessary, along with periodic audits. Conducting risk assessments for computerized systems,

personnel, and training is required. If outsourcing any part of the DNP project occurs, written

agreements should contain responsibilities, training, compliance with data governance and

integrity, and ownership of data addressed. Usernames, passwords, and electronic signatures

should be utilized by those involved in the study. Controls should be enabled in computerized

systems to detect errors, omissions, or lapses of data and maintain consistent, complete, accurate,

trustworthy, and reliable data. Saving computerized documentation in separate files or storage

areas, like a cloud account or thumb drive, is vital. Good written documentation practices

encompass the use of ink, single-line cross-outs with initials for mistakes, no correction fluid

used, bound and numbered pages of records, and secured storage (WHO, 2019).

With the above understanding of data integrity, this DNP student will monitor each step

of the DNP project with the faculty advisor. When using additional personnel, the DNP student

will discuss data governance and integrity issues. The DNP student will continuously monitor for

common errors as data is received. Data cleaning and completing corrections along the way. For

pre and post-tests, multiple-choice answers will limit data fields and decrease the chance for

error. Any computerized program utilized will have the above safeguards installed and audited.

Access to research information will be secured and protected by usernames and passwords.

Research data will be backed up and stored on the DNP student’s thumb drive and secured.
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Depending on the specific DNP project selected, the DNP student or a statistician will

perform statistical analysis. If utilizing an educational program with pre and post-tests, the DNP

student may be able to analyze the results. If medical records with multiple values and variables

are employed, a statistician may prove useful and valuable. The DNP student wants to ensure the

validity and reliability of research findings and is willing to protect data integrity in any way

needed.
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References

Guideline on Data Integrity. (2019). WHO Drug Information, 33(4), 773–793. Retrieved from

https://go-gale-com.lib-proxy.jsu.edu/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=jack26672&id=GALE

%7CA606296667&v=2.1&it=r&sid=ebsco

Knepper, H., Sonenberg, A., & Savage, P. (2019). Evidenced-based policy decisions &

population health: Policies, disparities, and data integrity. Public Administration

Quarterly, 43(1), 5–27. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.lib-

proxy.jsu.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=5&sid=6381b130-dee0-4378-b733-

7ec340b7007f%40pdc-v-sessmgr06

Sylvia, M. L., & Terhaar, M. F. (2018). Clinical analytics and data management for the DNP.

New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, LLC.