A rational approach to legacy data validation when transitioning between electronic health record systems

J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2016 Sep;23(5):991-4. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocv173. Epub 2016 Mar 14.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this project was to use statistical techniques to determine the completeness and accuracy of data migrated during electronic health record conversion.

Methods: Data validation during migration consists of mapped record testing and validation of a sample of the data for completeness and accuracy. We statistically determined a randomized sample size for each data type based on the desired confidence level and error limits.

Results: The only error identified in the post go-live period was a failure to migrate some clinical notes, which was unrelated to the validation process. No errors in the migrated data were found during the 12- month post-implementation period.

Conclusions: Compared to the typical industry approach, we have demonstrated that a statistical approach to sampling size for data validation can ensure consistent confidence levels while maximizing efficiency of the validation process during a major electronic health record conversion.

Keywords: Data migration; applied clinical informatics; data validation; electronic health record; electronic medical record; implementation.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Systems*
  • Electronic Health Records*
  • Medical Records Systems, Computerized