Q&A: Preparing for the data management system tracer

Q: Where should I focus my data management system tracer?

A: The data management system tracer can focus virtually on any PI initiative where data drives improvement. Some of the key areas that may be involved in this type of tracer include the following:

• Nursing
• Lab
• Pharmacy
• Radiology
• Respiratory therapy, etc.
• IC
• Health information/information systems
• Risk management

When thinking about how to plan for the actual survey session, it is best to provide an overview of your data management process and how data is used within your PI initiatives. Each participant (discipline) should bring to the meeting data related to his or her topic and should be prepared to discuss how the organization has used the data collection and analysis process to improve its performance.