Data at Rest

Background

Data at Rest (DAR) is the measurement of data residing in the immunization information system (IIS) database regardless of how it arrived there. This content area puts into practice data quality indicators found in the IIS Data Quality Practices – To Monitor and Evaluate Data at Rest (May 2018).

The Measurement and Improvement (M&I) Initiative measures DAR within two different stages using the following indicators:

The concepts measured are defined as:

Completeness: The degree to which full information about a data set, record, or individual data element is captured in the IIS (i.e., the proportion of stored data with complete information measured against the potential of “100%”).

Validity: The degree to which the data conform to the syntax (format, type, range) of their definitions (i.e., to the rules of what is accepted or expected by the IIS).

Timeliness: The amount of time between the occurrence of the real-world event and its documentation in the IIS (i.e., the time lag between the date of vaccination or birth and the date the record is fully processed and ready to use in the IIS).

More information on the indicators and concepts can be found in Measures and Tests for Assessment: Data at Rest.

Participation in DAR

The measurement process and IIS level of involvement for the DAR content area differs from other M&I content areas in three key ways:

• Uses de-identified production data instead of a connection to a preproduction environment
• Requires more direct engagement with IIS staff
• May require a partner agreement between AIRA and the IIS program

As with all other content areas in M&I, participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged for all IIS. IIS and immunization programs interested in participating are encouraged to review the IIS Participation Guide for Data at Rest one-pager member resource and share with their leadership or other staff. 

Below are the steps and resources for participating in DAR, which are also outlined in the Data at Rest Participation Checklist. 

Step One: Project Initiation

• Submit participation interest via AIRA’s technical assistance form.
• Data at Rest Brief Summary – This one-page document provides an introduction to the content area. Ideal for leadership or introducing the project to a new audience.
• Data at Rest Frequently Asked Questions – A working list of basic and detailed questions from the IIS community about participating in DAR Assessment and DAR Testing and Discovery.
• Data at Rest Partner Agreement – available upon request. Please submit your request via AIRA’s online form.

Step Two: Data Extraction

• CDC-Endorsed Data Elements Flat File Specification – This format specification defines a patient and immunization extract for all CDC-endorsed data elements.
• DAR Extract Specification – This specification defines the birth cohort and other information related to DAR.
• DAR Extract Job Aid – This job aid can be used to help an IIS determine which data elements can/can’t be extracted.
• Example Extract Queries – available upon request. Please submit your request via AIRA’s online form.

Step Three: Data Transformation

• DAR Command Line Tool (zip file) – Zipped file containing tool and instructions to conduct the data transformation step.
• DAR Command Line Tool – User Instructions – A reference guide for using the command line tool.
• Statement of Support for the use of NIST and CLI tools – A statement of support IIS can share with IT and leadership regarding local installation and use of NIST and CLI tools.

Step Four: Data Loading

• DAR Loading Guide – A guide on loading the Aggregate Detection File (ADF) into the Aggregate Analysis Reporting Tool (AART).
• Note: An IIS jurisdiction can be measured with the same ADF file for both stages of measurement (Testing & Discovery and Assessment). Only one file is needed to participate. 

Step Five: Data Analysis

• DAR Reports Guide - A guide on reviewing your DAR results and conducting analysis on the NIST tool qDAR (coming soon!).

Step Six: Data Quality Improvement

• AIRA staff are available to meet with you to discuss your reports and help with next steps. Submit your request via AIRA’s online form.

Additional Resources

• Technical Resources for IIS Participating in DAR (February 2023)
• Measures and Tests for Assessment: Data at Rest (December 2022)
• AIRA community-wide Town Hall on proposed measures and tests for DAR Assessment – recording and presentation slides (October 2022)
• AIRA community-wide Town Hall on proposed framework for DAR Testing and Discovery – recording and presentation slides (July 2021)
• AIRA Discovery Session: Monitor Data Quality by Provider with the DAR tool – recording and presentation slides (June 2020)
• IIS Data Quality Practices – To Monitor and Evaluate Data at Rest (May 2018)

Updated: 7/30/24