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Data Quality

SRC recognizes that data accuracy directly impacts how useful BOLD can be in improving the bariatric surgical specialty. We have developed specific measures that ensure data quality as well as safeguard participant and patient information.

SRC’s comprehensive Data Quality Program ensures the integrity of data in BOLD and information derived from the database. The following quality measures are currently in place to help exclude inaccurate, invalid and inconsistent data from BOLD:

  • Each bariatric program appoints a BOLD Administrator to serve as the primary contact with SRC regarding data validation and quality. The BOLD Administrator ensures that errors within the practice’s data are corrected.
  • Patient encounter forms are available that contain the information collected during each type of visit. These hard copy forms speed the electronic data entry process, reduce errors and eliminate the need to retrieve information from charts. BOLD participants are encouraged to print these forms and incorporate them into each patient encounter:
    • Blank encounter forms can be downloaded by clicking on the Forms & Reports tab on the BOLD home page
    • Interactive encounter forms are available at the bottom of each Patient Summary
  • Data definitions are provided within BOLD to specify what information is being collected. This increases the likelihood that the data points will be interpreted consistently across BOLD users.
  • The software alerts users of potential errors as they occur during data entry.
  • A Data Validation report is available in the Forms & Reports section of BOLD to alert users and SRC of potential errors after data capture. Each bariatric program is encouraged to run this report regularly and correct the incomplete or inaccurate data identified.
  • On-site data validation is performed during site inspections when BOLD data is verified using information from select medical charts. Data-only audits and spot checks may also be conducted to further ensure accurate, complete information is entered in BOLD.
  • SRC Support provides BOLD-specific training to educate and assist users on data entry.