The Importance of Data Standardization in Evaluation

Posted by randerson on March 25th, 2024 Posted in: Blog, Data Analysis, Newsletter, Thought Leadership

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Whether we’re thinking about patient records and outcomes, sports statistics, or NNLM membership and activity records, data standardization is critical to unlocking the story held within the data. While not always an easy endeavor (and one that often requires intergroup compromise), data standardization pays significant dividends when it comes time to analyze, interpret, and disseminate findings.

Now, you may be asking, “What do they mean by data standards and standardization?” That’s a fair question! The International Organization for Standardization defines data standards this way: “Standards define what great looks like, setting consistent benchmarks for businesses and consumers alike — ensuring reliability, building trust, and simplifying choices.” The goal of standards is to provide a common approach and repeatable outcomes.

Some common examples include standardization — or, said another way, consistency — in how we define and collect Zip/postal codes, phone numbers, organization type descriptors, and so on. For example, are Zip/postal codes 5 or 9 digits? Do the phone numbers include area code (and are the components of the phone number separated by parentheses, dashes, or both)? And, are NNLM member organizations assigned to a single, well-defined organization type?

Thinking specifically about the NNLM, here are a few important benefits of data standardization.

Apples to Apples Reporting. While fruit salad may be delicious, it is not desirable in the context of data collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination. For NNLM, data standardization ensures that data entered by member organization primary contacts (formerly known as liaisons) or ROC staff are entered in a consistent manner. This, in turn, allows ROC and UEP leadership to query data systems and report on findings with confidence in data quality. Moreover, adherence to federal standards makes it easier for individuals and decision-makers outside of the Network to understand our data.

Inclusivity in Data Reporting. Data standardization — when combined with controlled vocabularies and a strategic approach to making fields required or optional — ensures that all groups are counted and included in outputs such as infographics, dashboards, and formal reports.

Simplicity in Documentation, Training, and Data Entry. Once implemented, data standardization makes life easier for NNLM ROC staff. For example, it is significantly easier to prepare and maintain documentation and training resources when data are standardized across the Network. Also, especially in instances where repeated data entry is required, standardization increases the accuracy of data entered into the database system.

Do you want to learn more about data standardization, including its benefits and real-world applications? Here are a few useful resources:

• Documentary Standards (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
• What are standards? Why are they important? (IEEE Standards Association)
• When Standardized Data Can Help Save Lives (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
• Data Standardization Guide: Types, Benefits, and Process (Data Ladder)
• Standardizing Reporting and Integration: Why it Matters and How to Get Started (Ellit Groups, LinkedIn)
• Data Standardization: How It’s Done & Why It’s Important (Egnyte)