International validation of vascular registries – the VASCUNET validation template

Abstract

Quality registries are used increasingly for surveillance and quality improvement in vascular surgery in many countries, as well as for international studies. Internal and external validity are crucial if registry data (or any other research data) are used in any analysis or comparison study. The international registry collaboration VASCUNET has therefore conducted validation of participating registries and developed a template for internal and external registry validation. External validation assesses the completeness of registration, that is if all operations performed in the actual category (e.g., carotid surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery) at the actual site are registered. Internal validation assesses whether the variable values in the vascular registry are complete and correct, in accordance with the hospital record. [excerpt]