ETHIOPIAN POLICE
Data Quality Triangulation FORCE HOSPITAL
April .2025
Protocol
Data Quality Triangulation Protocol
1. Purpose
The purpose of this protocol is to establish a systematic approach for triangulating data from
multiple sources or methods to ensure its accuracy, reliability, and validity. By combining data from
various sources, we can cross-check information and minimize bias or errors, ultimately improving
the quality of decision-making and outcomes.
2. Objectives
Improve Data Accuracy: Verify the consistency and reliability of data by comparing
different data sources or methods.
Increase Confidence in Data: Strengthen the confidence in decision-making by ensuring that
data is robust and consistent across different channels or perspectives.
Identify Data Gaps: Highlight discrepancies, gaps, or contradictions in data from different
sources, allowing for corrective actions.
Enhance Decision-Making: Support evidence-based decisions by validating data through
multiple angles, resulting in more comprehensive and reliable conclusions.
3. Scope
This protocol applies to all data collection, processing, and analysis activities within the organization.
It specifically focuses on:
Clinical Data: Patient records, treatment data, diagnostic results, etc.
Operational Data: Staffing, workflows, and resource allocation data.
Survey and Questionnaire Data: Responses from staff, patients, or other stakeholders.
Financial Data: Budgets, expenditures, and billing records.
Quality and Performance Data: Metrics related to service quality, patient outcomes, and
staff performance.
The protocol is designed to ensure that data from various sources (e.g., electronic health records,
paper records, patient surveys, and administrative systems) is consistent, reliable, and actionable.
4. Types of Triangulation
A. Data Triangulation
Purpose: This involves comparing data from different sources or times to ensure consistency
and eliminate any biases that might arise from a single source.
Sources: Data may be collected from various departments (e.g., clinical departments,
administrative systems), different time periods (e.g., past year vs. current year), or diverse
groups (e.g., healthcare providers, patients, and external auditors).
B. Methodological Triangulation
Purpose: This involves using different research methods to collect data on the same issue
(e.g., quantitative and qualitative methods).
1
Methods: Quantitative data (e.g., surveys, statistical data) can be combined with qualitative
data (e.g., interviews, focus groups, observations) to provide a more comprehensive view of
the situation.
C. Investigator Triangulation
Purpose: This involves having multiple individuals review or collect data independently to
minimize personal biases or errors.
Application: Different investigators (e.g., auditors, clinicians, researchers) can compare their
findings to ensure the consistency and validity of the results.
D. Theory Triangulation
Purpose: This involves using different theoretical perspectives to interpret the same set of
data. This approach helps in understanding the data from various viewpoints.
Application: Data analysis can be interpreted using different frameworks or theories to gain
insights from multiple lenses, improving the depth of understanding.
5. Triangulation Process
A. Step 1: Identify Data Sources
Determine the relevant data sources that will be used for triangulation. These may include
clinical records, surveys, reports, administrative systems, etc.
Ensure diversity in data sources: Data should come from varied origins (e.g., different
departments or time periods) to avoid biases and ensure comprehensive validation.
B. Step 2: Collect Data from Multiple Sources
Data Collection: Gather data from the selected sources using standardized and systematic
methods.
o If using surveys, ensure the sample size is representative.
o For clinical data, ensure uniformity in the data entry process (e.g., using structured
templates or electronic health record systems).
o For administrative or financial data, ensure consistency in reporting.
C. Step 3: Cross-Check Data for Consistency
Compare the data: Identify common themes, trends, and patterns between the different data
sources.
o Are the trends observed in patient satisfaction surveys reflected in clinical outcomes
data?
o Are the administrative data on staffing levels consistent with operational performance
data?
Identify discrepancies: Look for any contradictions, discrepancies, or inconsistencies across
data sources.
D. Step 4: Analyze and Interpret Data
Analysis: Perform detailed analysis using the data from different sources to identify patterns
or correlations.
o Quantitative data analysis (e.g., regression analysis, statistical comparison).
2
o Qualitative data analysis (e.g., coding and thematic analysis).
Interpretation: Use the triangulated data to form conclusions that account for varying
perspectives and methods. Interpret findings by looking for alignment across multiple data
sources.
E. Step 5: Resolve Conflicts and Gaps
Address discrepancies: If data from different sources or methods conflict, investigate the
reasons for the discrepancies.
o Do different departments use different measurement standards?
o Are there biases or errors in any of the data sources?
Close data gaps: If any gaps or missing data are identified, take corrective measures to fill
those gaps (e.g., conducting follow-up surveys, requesting additional reports).
F. Step 6: Report Findings
Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the triangulated findings, including the
strengths and weaknesses of each data source and methodology.
Provide actionable insights: Ensure that the conclusions drawn from the triangulation are
linked to practical recommendations for improving operations, clinical care, or decision-
making.
6. Roles and Responsibilities
The following individuals are responsible for ensuring successful triangulation of data:
Data Collection Team: Responsible for gathering data from multiple sources, ensuring
standardization in data entry, and following ethical guidelines.
Data Analysts: Analyse data from different sources and compare findings to identify trends,
discrepancies, and insights.
Quality Assurance/Compliance Officers: Ensure that the triangulation process adheres to
organizational standards, regulations, and data quality assurance protocols.
Clinical and Administrative Leaders: Provide insights into how data discrepancies may
relate to real-world operations or patient care, and help interpret the findings in the context of
department-specific knowledge.
7. Tools and Techniques for Triangulation
Statistical Software: Tools such as SPSS, R, or Excel for quantitative data analysis.
Qualitative Analysis Software: NVivo or Atlas.ti for coding and analyzing qualitative data.
Cross-Referencing Tools: Software that can link data from different departments (e.g., an
integrated electronic health record system or operational databases).
Audit Checklists: Use of standardized checklists to ensure consistency across data sources.
8. Reporting and Feedback
Regular Reporting: Provide periodic reports to stakeholders on triangulated data findings,
including discrepancies and areas for improvement.
Follow-up Actions: Based on triangulated findings, develop action plans for addressing gaps
or issues. Provide recommendations for system improvements or changes to data collection
practices.
3
Continuous Improvement: Use the triangulation process as a part of a continuous feedback
loop to improve data collection methods and overall data quality.
9. Evaluation and Review
Review Triangulation Process: Periodically evaluate the triangulation process for
effectiveness. Are the methods and tools still applicable? Are the findings improving
decision-making and operational outcomes?
Stakeholder Feedback: Gather feedback from those involved in the triangulation process
(e.g., data collectors, analysts, and decision-makers) to refine the process and improve
outcomes.
10. Conclusion
The Data Quality Triangulation Protocol provides a structured approach to enhance the accuracy,
reliability, and validity of data by comparing and validating it across multiple sources and methods.
This process not only improves the quality of decision-making but also builds confidence in the data
used for clinical and operational improvements.
