Data quality review: module 3: data verification and system assessment

This module of the WHO Data Quality Review (DQR) toolkit provides guidance for conducting data verification and system assessment as part of facility-level evaluations of health information systems. Developed through collaboration between WHO and partner organizations, it describes methods for assessing the quality of routinely reported health data using representative samples of health facilities and standardized survey instruments. The document focuses on measuring key dimensions of data quality, including completeness and timeliness of reporting, internal consistency of reported information, and the accuracy of data recorded in source documents compared with data reported through health management information systems.

The publication outlines procedures for planning and implementing health facility surveys, including sampling strategies, adaptation of data collection tools, training of field teams, supervision, and data management. It presents recommended indicators for major programme areas such as maternal health, immunization, HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, and provides guidance on calculating and interpreting data quality metrics, including verification factors and reporting completeness measures. The module also describes approaches for assessing the capacity of data management systems through evaluation of staffing, guidelines, reporting tools, supervision, feedback mechanisms and data use practices, supporting the identification of weaknesses and opportunities for strengthening routine health information systems.