Interpreting the meaning of ombudsman data across states: The critical analyst-practitioner link

In this article, the authors report data from four states that have compute rized their long-term care ombudsman databases and are using the same softw are. The authors explore the apparent differences among these four states t o encourage critical thinking in interpreting the meaning of these data. Ju st as a national ombudsman database draws closer, so does the need for prac titioners, researchers, educators, and policy makers to be vigilant in unde rstanding that data must be contextualized. Otherwise, premature and inaccu rate conclusions may be drawn. Critically important is the link between tho se persons who analyze and interpret and the ombudsman practitioners who co llect and report these data.