Week 3 – Assignment
Data Dictionary
There are two general types of data dictionaries: a database management system data dictionary and an organization-wide data dictionary. For this assignment, we are focusing on the organization-wide data dictionary. In a data dictionary, individual data elements and definitions are defined to ensure consistency and accuracy. Assume you need to collect and analyze data on patients discharged and readmitted to hospital X within 90 days of discharge. Develop the data dictionary for this study by completing the table below. Your data dictionary must include a minimum of 15 discreet data elements. Include information you would need to identify:
- the patient (Unique identifier)
- the admission(s)
- the reason for each admission (why the patient presented to the hospital emergency department)
- the principal diagnosis which is defined as the condition of the patient made after studying the patient and their admission to the hospital.
- the indicator for justified readmission or questionable readmission.
Guided response: Include at least 15 data elements and the rationale for each data element, using the format below and include:
- A title page with the following:
- Title of paper
- Student’s name
- Course name and number
- Instructor’s name
- Date submitted
- Include two scholarly references, excluding the textbook, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
Expert Solution Preview
Question: Develop a data dictionary for collecting and analyzing data on patients discharged and readmitted to hospital X within 90 days of discharge.
Answer:
Introduction:
A data dictionary is essential for consistency and accuracy in data collection and analysis. For this study, we need to collect and analyze data on patients discharged and readmitted to Hospital X within 90 days of discharge. This data dictionary provides a list of 15 discrete data elements necessary for this study.
Data Dictionary:
Title: Data Dictionary for Patients Discharged and Readmitted to Hospital X within 90 Days
Data Elements:
1. Patient Unique Identifier – This data element helps identify patients and link their admission and readmission data.
2. Admission Date and Time – This data element captures the date and time when the patient was first admitted.
3. Discharge Date and Time – This data element captures the date and time when the patient was discharged.
4. Reason for Admission – This data element captures the reason why the patient presented to the hospital emergency department.
5. Principal Diagnosis – This data element captures the primary condition of the patient made after studying the patient and their admission to the hospital.
6. Readmission Date and Time – This data element captures the date and time when the patient was readmitted.
7. Reason for Readmission – This data element captures the reason for the patient’s readmission to the hospital.
8. Number of Readmissions – This data element captures the total number of readmissions within 90 days.
9. Length of Stay for Admission – This data element captures the time period between admission and discharge.
10. Length of Stay for Readmission – This data element captures the time period between readmission and discharge.
11. Discharge Status – This data element captures whether the patient was discharged to home, skilled nursing facility, or other locations.
12. Age – This data element captures the age of the patient at the time of admission.
13. Gender – This data element captures the gender of the patient.
14. Insurance Type – This data element captures the type of insurance covering the patient.
15. Indicator for Justified Readmission or Questionable Readmission – This data element captures whether the readmission is justified based on the patient’s condition or not.
Rationale:
1. Unique Identifier is necessary to link patient data across different data sources.
2. Admission and Discharge Dates and Times are essential in calculating Length of Stay.
3. Reason for Admission captures the primary diagnosis that led to the patient’s hospitalization.
4. Principal Diagnosis is necessary for identifying the patient’s primary condition.
5. Readmission Date and Time captures time intervals between two hospital stays.
6. Reason for Readmission identifies whether readmissions were caused by the same or different condition.
7. Number of Readmissions helps in identifying the chronic nature of the illness.
8. Length of Stay data elements are necessary in evaluating resource utilization.
9. Discharge Status is helpful in identifying discharge destinations based on the patient’s condition.
10. Demographic variables such as Age, Gender, and Insurance Type are included for benchmarking and comparison purposes.
11. Indicator for Justified Readmission or Questionable Readmission helps in evaluating the quality of care provided to the patient.
References:
1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021). Data elements for readmissions related to acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality-initiatives-patient-assessment-instruments/hospitalqualityinits/hospitalreadmissionreduction
2. National Quality Forum. (2010). A national framework and preferred practices for palliative and hospice care quality. https://www.qualityforum.org/Publications/2010/12/A_National_Framework_and_Preferred_Practices_for_Palliative_and_Hospice_Care_Quality.aspx
