11.  "CLEANING" YOUR DATA

An optional program, CLEAN07, is available if you wish to scan your data for possible inadvertent data entry errors. The main AUDIT07 program is designed to identify and permit correction of many errors at the time of data entry, but nevertheless some may occur. The CLEAN07 program creates a number of error-checking tables or lists. It begins by producing frequency tables on items that should have only a single answer per facility (such as the number of active patients on the diabetes registry, the name of the facility, or the codes for the Area and Service Unit). It also produces a listing by chart number of records having values that are atypical or outside of the usual range for a given item. These listings may or may not represent actual errors, but they may be reviewed for accuracy.

To "clean" your data, go to Epi Info's main menu and select ANALYSIS from the listing of Programs. Put your data file into the ANALYSIS program by typing at the EPI6> prompt:

READ AUDIT07.REC <ENTER>

Next, turn on your printer, then press the <F5> key to send output to the printer. You can skip this step if you wish and have the results appear only on screen.

Now, type at the EPI6> prompt: RUN CLEAN07 <ENTER>

The CLEAN07 program will run, and produce a report on your screen. Use the PageUp and PageDown keys to scroll through the report of potential errors. You can use <Ctrl>-PageUp or <Ctrl>-PageDown to move the report just a line at a time.  If clear-cut errors are identified, you can then edit (correct) your data using the Update key <F6>.