Types and Causes of Data ErrorsData

Types and Causes of Data Errors
Data errors are failures of data to meet established quality standards.
Table 3.1. Some Causes of Poor Health Care Data Quality
Systematic Random
Unclear data definitions Illegible handwriting in data source. Unclear data definitions Illegible handwriting in data source.
Unclear data collection guidelines. Typing errors Unclear data collection guidelines. Typing errors
Poor interface design. Lack of motivation Poor interface design. Lack of motivation
Programming errors. Frequent personnel turnover Programming errors. Frequent personnel turnover
Incomplete data source. Calculation errors (not built into the Incomplete data source. Calculation errors (not built into the
Unsuitable data format in the source
Data dictionary is lacking or not
available.
Data dictionary is not adhered to.
Guideline or protocols are not
adhered to
Lack of sufficient data checks
No system for correcting detected
data errors
No control over adherence to
guidelines and data definitions

Source: Arts, DeKeiser, & Scheffer, 2002, p. 604.
There are two types of underlying cause of data errors: