Magnitude of the Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Testing in the Shiraz Cohort Heart Study

Abstract

To ensure the integrity of the Shiraz Cohort Heart Study (SCHS), quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) processes were implemented throughout the study. QA focused on preventing and detecting data collection errors while verifying that requirements were met. QC, a subset of QA, aimed to identify and address errors in data processing through testing and preventive measures. The SCHS, which included 10,000 males and females aged 40-70 from Shiraz, Iran, monitored cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and access to preventive care over a 10-year period. The study identified unique barriers, such as variations in ethnicity, religion, and cross-cultural considerations, which differed from national study models and impacted the standardization of measures. To address these challenges, a mechanism was developed to standardize the questionnaire, study design, and administration methods, aligning with the geographic distribution of Family Physician Health and Medical Services in Shiraz. Key QA and QC decisions were implemented to maintain the study’s integrity and reliability.