Overview & Goal: Accurate data entry is essential for reliable reporting, benchmarking, and quality improvement. The goal of this process is to help your NICU minimize confirmed unknowns, improve data consistency, and ensure that all truly unobtainable information is appropriately documented. The Confirmed Unknown Report identifies items marked as “Unknown” so you can review, update, or explain them as needed.
Key Points:
The “Unknown” response is only available for items that are likely to be unavailable at the time of data entry. Items left blank are considered pending until updated.
Vermont Oxford Network (VON) requires that all unknowns be confirmed as unobtainable before submission. CPQCC only submits confirmed unknowns.
Centers should aim to keep confirmed unknowns for key risk factors and outcomes < 3% for inborn infants. Values above this threshold will appear in red on Item 11 of the Close-Out Checklist.
How to Review Confirmed Unknowns (Deliverable 11 for Data Finalization):
Log into the NICU Data site and select the appropriate year.
Navigate to Data Reports → Confirmed Unknown Report
Or via Close-Out Checklist → Item 11 resource link → Generate Confirmed Unknown Report
Set the minimum unknown percentage threshold (default 1%) and generate the report.
Search for specific items:
Type
rfmissfor key risk factorsType
outmissfor outcome/process measures
Update records or document explanations in the User Comment Section of the Close-Out Checklist for any true unknowns.
Additional Guidance:
Review “Unknown” dispositions (Items 53–57, 61–64). If many are Still in House (SIH), follow the SIH table instructions.
Unknowns should only be selected when the documentation truly cannot be obtained. For transported-out infants, record only the care provided at your NICU.
The percentage of confirmed unknowns is reported in Section F, Data Quality Assessment of the CCS Report.
Free-standing children's hospitals and satellite NICUs must contact the Data Center to complete this item.