Development and Implementation of Online Quality Assurance (OQA) Application

Objective: To develop a web based application to streamline QA data collection, and report aggregate analyses of these data to the departmental administrators.

Methods: A web based application was developed to facilitate this objective. The online application provides an interface to enter data, create or modify standards of Care modules, and add questions, and forms. The application was designed in a modular format to integrate with the existing clinical application such as the clinical information system. This ensures that audits can be performed to compare the data entry to chart entry on the clinical information system

Every module features a sophisticated relational database, an advanced graphical user interface, a full complement of data gathering, and analytical tools. The dynamic features enable administrators to create and modify modules, questions, forms, and reports, other users with access privileges can only view reports. Using pull down menus to select modules and toolbar buttons to trigger protocols, a user with specific privileges can navigate intuitively from task to task while entering data and analysis results. Operational modes and access privileges can be configured to permit specific tasking for administrators and limited users.

Results: Evaluation of this online application will be accomplished in two parts. The first part will evaluate usability of OQA application using interviews and surveys to users to determine ease of use, and perceived usefulness. The second part will assess accuracy of data collected by comparing the reports to actual chart reviews performed by independent evaluators.

Conclusion: CDQA saves time, reduces recording errors, and improves reporting of QA data in a timely and efficient manner.