Understanding the Minimal Data Set (MDS)

Dear Colleagues,

NAQC frequently receives questions from community members asking what the Minimal Data Set (MDS) is, how it differs from other quitline data collection efforts, and how to use the MDS to guide your work. In response, NAQC developed a set of Frequently Asked Questions to help partners better understand the current MDS and its significance, NAQC technical assistance available to help navigate and effectively use these data, and opportunities to engage with NAQC members to discuss data quality, modernization, and equity.

We encourage you to review the FAQs and share with staff that may be newer to quitline work. Please contact me at kmason@naquitline.org if you have any questions or would like to discuss your state quitline’s use of the MDS.

Sincerely,

Katie Mason, MPP
Research and Evaluation Manager
North American Quitline Consortium