Data quality for syndromic surveillance extends beyond validating and evaluating syndrome results. Data aggregators and data providers can take additional steps to monitor and ensure the accuracy of the data. In North Carolina, hospitals are mandated to transmit electronic emergency department data to the North Carolina Disease Event Tracking and Epidemiologic Tool (NC DETECT) system at least every 24 hours. Protocols have been established to ensure the highest level of data quality possible. These protocols involve multiple levels of data validity and reliability checks by NC DETECT staff as well as feedback from end-users concerning data quality. Hospitals also participate in the data quality processes by providing metadata including historical trends at each facility.
Objective
The purpose of this project is to describe the initiatives used by the NC DETECT to ensure the quality of ED data for surveillance.