DATA VALIDATION - FAQs
Q1: How do I validate my cataract audit data?
A1: In order to validate the data, look at the unadjusted complication rates on the NOD website, and see if the number of cases of Posterior Capsular Rupture (PCR) and Visual Acuity (VA) loss fit with what you were expecting. Individual cases cannot be listed as the NOD does not hold patient identification details, but you can cross check the number with you own local surgical record (from where the NOD obtained the data). The data is presented as a funnel plot and your individual surgeon or centre outcome will be represented with an amber colour asterisk (*) on each graph. If there is any discrepancy between your local records of PCR or VA loss for the audit period, and what has been presented on the NOD then please contact the audit team via email, noa.project@rcophth.ac.uk within the validation period so that necessary changes can be made before publication.
Q2: Our audit department needs to review our trust’s information. I am a clinical audit facilitator and tried registering as a user from a contributing trust but was unable to register. How should I proceed?
A2: If you are a clinical audit facilitator and want to validate your centre level data, you need to contact the RCOphth NOD audit team via email noa.project@rcophth.ac.uk to authorise your registration on the website.
Q3: On logging on to the RCOphth NOD website, I do not see my individual data in the analysis section. Why is this not visible?
A3: There may be several reasons for your data not being visible. Surgeons need to have performed and recorded a minimum of 50 eligible cataract operations during the audit period. If this is an issue for several surgeons in your centre, then typically this situation arises where a trust has only recently joined the audit and submitted a low number of cataract operations during the audit period. If this is the case, then it would be expected that the numbers would be higher in the next audit cycle and any surgeon with 50 or more eligible procedures will then have their results visible. Also, if the VA (pre-op and/or post-op) data is missing for more than 40% of the operations, the surgeon or centre data will not be included in the visual loss analysis. The full list of criteria for case eligibility are listed here.