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How do I ensure consistency with International and National standards?
When data collections are being designed it is important to ensure that the specifications of the data to be collected are consistent with national and international standards.
The National Health Data Dictionary (NHDD) and the National Community Services Data Dictionary (NCSDD) (both available within METeOR) contain nationally endorsed definitions of a wide range of data items relevant to the health and community services sectors in Australia. You don't have to use the exact code sets used in these definitions, but the categories you do use should be mappable to those standards.
The NHDD and the NCSDD use a format based on the ISO/IEC International Standard 11179-3:2003 (Information Technology - Metadata Registries - Part 3: Registry metamodel and basic attributes). Some enhancements have been made to the international standard to suit Australia's situation. Using this format will help to ensure your definitions are comprehensive and makes it easier to compare them with national standards.
Consistency with national and international standard classifications also ensures overall comparability of national data. The Australian Bureau of Statistics is the source of many key socio-economic classifications used in health and community services data collections. For example 'Australian Standard Classification of Languages', 'Australian Standard Classifications of Occupations' and 'Australian Standard Geographical Classification'.
International classifications of particular importance include the 'International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health' and the 'International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems' published by the World Health Organization. There is also an Australian Modified version, published by the National Centre for Classification in Health.
What are the principles of Data Development?
The principles of data development adhered to by the AIHW include the following:
- National/International standards are used wherever relevant
- Collector burden is minimised
- Privacy of individuals is respected
- Data is appropriate to its purpose
- Data definitions are clear, concise, and comprehensive
- Emphasis on quality
What is a Data Dictionary?
A Data Dictionary is a vehicle for specifying data collection standards. Insofar as a Data Dictionary establishes such standards, it is a useful and necessary tool for enabling the collection of a National Minimum Data Set, and essentially describes the meaning of the information to be collected. Nonetheless, a Data Dictionary does not normally specify all the information necessary to conduct a data collection. Nor does a Data Dictionary normally specify the format in which the information is to be reported, as the reporting format may vary over time. A Data Dictionary is usually supplemented by additional guidelines that support specific collections. These guidelines may change over time, to focus on the process of collecting the information. However, a Data Dictionary should stay relatively stable over time.
A Data Dictionary is comprised of definitions of Data Elements. Each Data Element (such as Date of birth, for example) has a set of information or 'attributes' that explains more about that piece of information. Examples of attributes include the Definition (what is it you want to know?), Context (Who wants to know it and why?), Data domain (what is the range of possible answers?) and Guide for use (Which one of the possible answers should I use?).
What is a National Minimum Data Set?
A National Minimum Data Set (NMDS) is a minimum set of data elements agreed for mandatory collection and reporting at a national level. A National Minimum Data Set may include data elements that are also included in another National Minimum Data Sets.
A National Minimum Data Set is contingent upon a national agreement to collect uniform data and to supply it as part of the national collection, but does not preclude agencies and service providers from collecting additional data to meet their own specific needs. Key words that describe a National Minimum Data Set are:
- Minimum - Standards - Agreement - Collection - Reporting
Arguably, the most important aspect of a National Minimum Data Set is the agreement. Without agreement between all relevant parties, a National Minimum Data Set does not exist. A National Minimum Data Set agreement includes specified data elements as well as the scope of the application of those data elements. The agreement to collect a specified set of data elements is essentially a policy issue.
The National Health Data Dictionary (updated annually), identifies data elements from a number of National Minimum Data Sets:
Descriptions of these National Minimum Data Set agreements can be found on METeOR.
What is a Data Set Specification?
Data Set Specifications (DSS) are metadata sets that are not mandated for collection but are recommended as best practice. It is recommended that, if collecting data for the purposes of primary patient care, planning or analysis, the entire DSS be collected. This National Health Data Dictionary and the National Community Services Data Dictionary, identifies metadata items for many Data Set Specifications:
Descriptions of these Data Set Specifications can be found on METeOR.
Where can I get national data definitions?
Current National Data Definitions are available from the National Data Dictionary relating to the subject area in question, ie. the National Health Data Dictionary the National Community Services Data Dictionary and the National Housing Assistance Data Dictionary. METeOR contains current, past and proposed definitions, together with tools for searching for, and grouping data definitions.
How can I get a copy of the latest version of the National Health Data Dictionary?
The latest version of the National Health Data Dictionary can be downloaded for free in PDF format along with an explanatory booklet. On METeOR, you can download the Health data dictionary in Word 2003 or PDF format. A document containing a summary of changes to metadata items since the last version of the Dictionary is available for downloading on METeOR as well. METeOR also contains current, past and proposed definitions, together with tools for searching for and grouping data definitions.
How can I get a copy of the latest version of the National Community Services Data Dictionary?
The latest version of the National Community Services Data Dictionary can downloaded for free in PDF format along with an explanatory booklet. On METeOR, you can download the Community Services data dictionary in Word 2003 or PDF format. A document containing a summary of changes to metadata items since the last version of the Dictionary is available for downloading on METeOR as well. METeOR also contains current, past and proposed definitions, together with tools for searching for and grouping data definitions.