The Competencies Used by Health Sector Information Quality Advocates to Improve Data Quality

Abstract

Background: The role of an Information Quality Advocate (IQA) has emerged as critical in ensuring the reliability, applicability, and usability of health information across its lifecycle. IQAs bridge gaps between stakeholders, integrating data management processes and promoting informed decision-making.

Objectives: Building on previous research that identified broad competency areas for IQAs, this study explores the specific competencies required for effective IQA performance.

Design: A qualitative content analysis was conducted using data from semi-structured interviews with eighteen IQAs identified across various countries. The interview schedule attempted to reveal required competencies for the IQA’s current and most recent job and for dealing with critical incidents. All IQAs were also asked to detail their ‘top four’ competencies for the IQA role. The competencies were categorized into conceptual, human, and technical skills, and IQAs assigned into top, middle, and lower management level classifications.

Results: Findings revealed distinct skill requirements at each different management level, highlighting the evolution of competencies as IQAs progress within organizational hierarchies. Top management requires strategic conceptual skills such as stakeholder engagement and change management and advocates for data quality at a high level, whereas middle and lower management focus more on project management and technical problem solving. At all levels high order communication skills and the capacity to initiate and sustain collaboration are important IQA competencies.

Conclusions: This research provides a nuanced understanding of the competencies required for IQAs, supporting the development of targeted training programs and promoting cohesive, high-quality data management practices in healthcare settings. Future work could investigate the relationship between data maturity contexts and the competencies required for IQAs. This would involve employing a data maturity classification method, with the WHO’s SCORE tool being a practical choice due to its widespread application and relevance.