Adherence to data definitions in the ANZSCTS Database: Differences in New Renal Failure Reporting

Abstract

Introduction: The ANZSCTS Database Program collects pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative clinical information on patients undergoing cardiac surgery across Australia. It is a clinical quality registry aimed at improving patient outcome by reporting and benchmarking hospital and surgeon performance. As such, it is vital that accurate and complete data is entered into the database by data managers at participating Units. The ANZSCTS Database was audited to determine the adherence rates of units to the current data definitions of New Renal Failure (NRF). Methods: Data between 2009 and 2013 from the ANZSCTS Database Program was analysed for reported NRF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Derived NRF was calculated using pre- and post- operative renal therapy and creatinine levels to ascertain the adherence rates to the current data definitions of the database. Results: Overall, NRF is slightly over-reported in the database across all procedure types (Table 1). However, unit-specific data shows 11 units had under-reported NRF compared to 16 units that had over-reported NRF rates (Fig. 1). Discussion: Whilst the overall rate of reported- and derived- NRF is similar, incorrect data entry into the database results in units receiving incorrect data regarding their performance. As such, future reporting of NRF in the ANZSCTS Database may utilise derived data as an audit tool to ensure accurate data is reported in ANZSCTS activities.