Application of quality indicators to data from the National Network of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina

Abstract

Background: In Argentina, birth defects are a leading cause of infant deaths. In 2009, the National Network for Congenital Anomalies of Argentina (RENAC) was established as a hospital-based surveillance system of major structural birth defects. To assess and enhance the system's data quality, we previously developed data quality indicators (DQI). Our aim was to evaluate quality indicators in RENAC. Methods: We applied the DQI presented in a related publication to the 2016 RENAC data. Results: Among the DQI of description, spina bifida coverage and talipes had the lowest results. Regarding prevalence of hypospadias, it was lower than the defined threshold. RENAC did not achieve the ascertainment threshold of a prevalence of 21.5 per 10,000 for critical congenital heart defects. There was a high ratio of spina bifida to anencephaly. Conclusions: DQI provide a focus for improving quality, making decisions, and advocating for interventions. Examples include advocating for newborn screening of critical congenital heart defects with pulse oximetry; developing training programs for clinicians to improve the detection of isolated hypospadias; and developing visual tools and checklists to improve the completeness and accuracy of case description for spina bifida, talipes, and other major malformations. After the interventions, it is important to track the impact by measuring again the DQI.