23.07.13
Data systems upgrade to improve NHS information
More data could be extracted from hospitals to raise standards and improve performance.
NHS England and the Health and Social Care Information Centre have launched a consultation on how new data systems could extract additional information, to reduce health inequalities.
The proposed requirements include information about tests and investigations performed, nursing care, and medicines prescribed.
Dr Geraint Lewis, chief data officer for NHS England said: “Although the NHS has some excellent data systems, our commissioners are currently missing whole swathes of information about the care being provided in hospital. For example, commissioners do not currently know what medications patients are receiving in hospital, nor what tests and investigations are being performed.
“This consultation asks how we should upgrade our current data service to bring it up to modern standards. I am clear that new data service must comply with the highest standards of information governance, and we must avoid any extra burden on frontline staff.
“By extracting a more complete set of data from hospitals, the NHS will be far better placed to raise standards and reduce inequalities in care.”
Dr Mark Davies, medical director of the HSCIC, said: “One of the most powerful resources the NHS has is the information that describes what it does and the outcomes we achieve. It is important, however that the data we use to run the NHS reflects the real world experience of our clinicians and patients.
“This is an exciting opportunity to look again at the data we gather to ensure it is clinically meaningful. The information will help us all understand patient journeys through the care system in a joined up way that will enable us to improve services over time.
“We will be combining this information with outcome data and patient experience data which will build greater insights into what’s working well and what isn’t. This has the potential to transform how we deliver clinical care. I encourage members of the public, as well as clinical colleagues, to participate in ensuring we are collecting the data that is important and ensuring we are doing it in the right way.”
The consultation is open until September 16.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]