Highlights: Minimum Data Set V7

In June 2018, the NJR went live with the latest version of the data set, Minimum Dataset Version 7 (MDSv7), which represented a number of significant changes to the data collection.  Given the extent of the changes, it was decided that the NJR’s associated reporting services would be updated separately at those points in the calendar when the data was refreshed.  Although it had originally been intended to switch over directly from MDSv6 to MDSv7 it was decided to permit users to continue to enter records using MDSv6, albeit for a limited amount of time.  The reason for this was to support the entry of missing procedures identified as part of the Data Quality Audit programme.  Overall, the deployment of MDSv7 went smoothly, with no serious issues reported by users in units.

The changes included the addition of ‘Debridement and Implant Retention’ procedures on all revision forms, the ability to enter multi-compartmental knee procedures (any combination of medial and lateral unicondylar and patellofemoral joint replacements), increased detail about the use of cement, and removing a number of free text boxes.  There were significant changes to the shoulder primary and revision forms, especially in the types of procedures. 

For NHS England, the NJR is an NHS Information Standard, DCB1567 ‘National Joint Registry Data Set’.  For further information about the standard, please visit the ‘Standards and Data Collections’ of the NHS Digital website.