Implementation and quality assessment of a clinical orthopaedic registry in a public hospital department

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to demonstrate a novel method of assessing data quality for an orthopaedic registry and its effects on data quality metrics. METHODS: A quality controlled clinical patient registry was implemented, comprising six observational cohorts of shoulder and knee pathologies. Data collection procedures were co-developed with clinicians and administrative staff in accordance with the relevant dataset and organised into the registry database software. Quality metrics included completeness, consistency and validity. Data were extracted at scheduled intervals (3 months) and quality metrics reported to stakeholders of the registry. RESULTS: The first patient was enrolled in July 2017 and the data extracted for analysis over 4 quarters, with the last audit in August 2018 (N = 189). Auditing revealed registry completeness was 100% after registry deficiencies were addressed. However, cohort completeness was less accurate, ranging from 12 to 13% for height & weight to 90–100% for operative variables such as operating surgeon, consulting surgeon and hospital. Consistency and internal validation improved to 100% after issues in registry processes were rectified. CONCLUSIONS: A novel method to assess data quality in a clinical orthopaedic registry identified process shortfalls and improved data quality over time. Real-time communication, a comprehensive data framework and an integrated feedback loop were necessary to ensure adequate quality assurance. This model can be replicated in other registries and serve as a useful quality control tool to improve registry quality and ensure applicability of the data to aid clinical decisions, especially in newly implemented registries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12617001161314; registration date 8/08/2017. Retrospectively registered.