The National Center began a Data Quality Initiative (DQI) to improve the quality and consistency of the data entered into National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System (NFR-CRS) in an effort to improve usefulness of the data at the state and national level for identifying prevention strategies and monitoring the effectiveness of prevention measures that have been implemented. The CDR DQI began in 2015 and expanded to FIMR in 2020. For more information, view our frequently asked questions (Frequently Asked Questions).

One of the major elements of the DQI was to identify priority variables from the NFR-CRS. FIMR and CDR priority variables were developed by workgroups of volunteers from FIMR and CDR programs and are used to monitor data quality at the state and national levels. Every year, each state receives an annual DQI Summary in the fall. The latest DQI Summary reported 2018 and 2019 CDR state data, as well as 2019 national data A short pre-recorded webinar (access code ‘Quality’ -Firefox or Chrome suggested) more fully explains how to read the Summary and its potential uses.

The  National CDR Data Quality Summary shows the template and the data from deaths in 2020 and 2021.  The first National FIMR Data Quality Summary containing 2020 and 2021 deaths.

Technical Assistance related to improving data quality, developing a data quality monitoring program, or refining existing data quality efforts is available to any state, upon request. Assistance may be provided by telephone or in person. Please contact Center staff to request assistance.

Resources

Data Quality Initiative Webinar (Access code “Quality” -Firefox or Chrome suggested) provides an overview of DQI work as well as case scenarios.

Guidance for Improving Child Death Review Data Quality was compiled and published in October 2017 as a resource to state Child Death Review programs for monitoring and improving the quality of their data entered in the NFR-CRS.

A DQI training module was created to address common barriers, best practices and frequently asked questions.

Completing the Life Stressors Section: This document supports the work of teams in determining where to find data for Section I7 of the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System.

CDR Data Quality Five Year Report

The National Center is pleased to announce the publication of a five-year data quality report for CDR entitled “Monitoring Data Quality in the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System: The First Five Years.” The appendix to the report can be found here: Five Year Report Appendix

List of Priority Variables
CDR Priority Variables July 2023
FIMR Priority Variables July 2023