Clarity of Definitions (of the Indicator and its Application)
This criterion examines whether the indicator is based on clear and unambiguous definitions, from the data collection to the interpretation by the users. This criterion is an important prerequisite for obtaining a high reliability, sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, it is a central criterion which always has to be evaluated. If clarity and unambiguousness are not present, the results are rather random and therefore not sufficiently meaningful.
Definition
The indicator must be defined clearly and unambiguously. In particular, the following aspects of a quality indicator must be defined:
- Calculation of the indicator
- Data and data collection methods
- Data sources, measurement method
- Method of presentation and reporting
- Addressee / Intended use
Core Statement
The following statement is assessed: “The indicator is clearly and unambiguously defined.”
Information Base for the Assessment
For the assessment of the core statement, the following information should be available for the evaluators: the applied measuring method (e.g. wound infections are classified according to CDC), data sources (with secondary data, the exact description of the purpose of the original data collection is required), mode of data collection (electronic, paper form), data formats (specification), possible assistance with filling in forms during the data collection, calculation rules (numerator, denominator), reference range, method of presentation and reporting and a description of the target group and the intended purpose.
This information must be available for all data fields (items) used for the measurement of the quality indicator.
Assessment Process
After all evaluators have acknowledged and understood the information base for the assessment they assess the core statement.
A detailed process description can be found in Appendix 1.
Assessment Stages
1 = does not apply
2 = rather does not apply
3 = rather applies
4 = applies
Abstention
