Just say NO... to incorrect coding!

South Gloucestershire 2009

"Correct coding is paramount to safer, more efficient patient care," and, as a result, facilitators must do all they can to ensure the most appropriate Read code is used, according to data quality facilitator, Steph Celso of South Gloucestershire PCT.

Steph explained: "There are Read codes for all eventualities. It is important to code as much information as possible, because systems across the NHS can only pick up what is coded. Correct coding entered as near to the source as possible, as soon as possible, leads to good quality information."

As a result Steph has been working with 31 practices to ensure staff know which code to input, and eradicate the use of free text or local codes.

Having analysed the processes already in place and talked to PCT and practice staff, Steph found that coding was generally very good across her practices and that staff understood the importance of good data quality.

However, the Information Management and Technology Directed Enhanced Service (IM&T DES) flagged up errors in data from incorrect coding, with inappropriate gender codes and the use of local or practice codes - especially for flu data - highlighted as the most common problems.

In order to solve these problems and ensure practices achieved the highest level of data quality possible, Steph undertook regular practice visits to run audits and discuss the importance of correct data. She gave talks at user group meetings, sent informative data quality newsletters to practices and suggested additional training where it was needed.

To help her do this, Steph took advantage of the support offered to her by PRIMIS+. After contacting her local Learning Consultant, she attended further training on data quality, clinical coding and CHART and CHART Online to help her better train and support practice staff.

Steph also made good use of the support on offer from the PRIMIS+ Helpdesk when encountering problems, and from other facilitators on the discussion board and forums.

By doing so, Steph has ensured that practice staff are now aware of, and are trained in, the best use of Read coding. In the future Steph hopes to continue supporting practices to achieve data accreditation and good data quality, particularly when using GP2GP to transfer a patient's electronic health record between GP practices.

After witnessing definite progress within her practices, Steph explained: "Even though practice staff have numerous other things that they have to do from day to day, they realised the importance of coding correctly and wanted to work to improve various aspects of data quality and information management.

"Hopefully in the future all practice staff will receive the clinical coding training they need. They will then use suitable and appropriate coding, free text will become minimal and local/practice codes will be phased out. By involving everyone nationwide in similar projects, the quality of data will be of an equal standard, which is of great importance to the patient when their data is being shared and transferred via GP2GP."

For more information on PRIMIS+ clinical terminology coding please visit the online training services pages or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .