How Good is Your GIRFT? A Cautionary Tale for Data Collectors

Description

In this insightful presentation, Munzir Gaboura shares findings from a study on data discrepancies within the GIRFT review process. Gaboura, who is currently working at Leeds Teaching Hospital and previously conducted research during his fellowship in Southampton, explores how his hospital was flagged as an outlier in several medical conditions, particularly tibial fractures, length of hospital stay, and various surgical procedures.



He highlights alarming differences between the numbers reported to GIRFT and the results of an internal audit, exposing significant inaccuracies in patient data—especially in coding methodologies. While the GIRFT report indicated a higher incidence of tibial fractures (149 versus the national average of 98) and a mean length of stay of 2.5 days, the internal audit revealed the actual incidence at just 52 and an increased average stay of 3.85 days due to complex cases. Furthermore, discrepancies were noted in toe straightening procedures and meniscectomies, where the reported figures significantly diverged from internal findings.



Gaboura concludes by calling for immediate action: a thorough re-evaluation of how data is collected and reported to GIRFT, along with collaboration with IT departments to ensure accurate coding. His talk ends with an invitation for dialogue, encouraging others to reflect on their own experiences with the GIRFT process.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-230146

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