Karger Publishers, Public Health Genomics, 2(19), p. 108-115, 2016
DOI: 10.1159/000444476
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<b><i>Background:</i></b> The focus on the quality of the procedures for data collection, storing, and analysis in the definition and implementation of a rare disease registry (RDR) is the basis for developing a valid and long-term sustainable tool. The aim of this study was to provide useful information for characterizing a quality profile for RDRs using an analytical approach applied to RDRs participating in the European Platform for Rare Disease Registries 2011-2014 (EPIRARE) survey. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> An indicator of quality was defined by choosing a small set of quality-related variables derived from the survey. The random forest method was used to identify the variables best defining a quality profile for RDRs. Fisher's exact test was employed to assess the association with the indicator of quality, and the Cochran-Armitage test was used to check the presence of a linear trend along different levels of quality. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The set of variables found to characterize high-quality RDRs focused on ethical and legal issues, governance, communication of activities and results, established procedures to regulate access to data and security, and established plans to ensure long-term sustainability. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The quality of RDRs is usually associated with a good oversight and governance mechanism and with durable funding. The results suggest that RDRs would benefit from support in management, information technology, epidemiology, and statistics.