Effectively harnessing accurate, meaningful data empowers NHS Managers and Clinicians to make decisions that ultimately save lives and improve patient care. That is according to a recent think tank on NHS Informatics & Business Intelligence hosted by recruitment consultancy Venn Group.
The panel found that drawing meaningful information from the vast amount of raw data that the NHS - an organisation that employs 1.7 million people - produces can be extremely difficult and costly. But new technologies and capabilities mean that it is now possible for NHS professionals to capitalise on real time data, saving time and money in the process.
This appetite for visible, accessible, real-time information has created fresh demand for informatics teams within the NHS. These groups typically consist of analytical staff that provide a constant stream of information to managers nationwide, rather than “number crunchers” who compile time-consuming reports.
Venn Group and the Centre of Excellence are working in conjunction with Colchester Hospital to help existing and aspiring developers and analysts to rapidly develop meaningful applications to assist informatics teams and their healthcare business users.
The event, which was held in conjunction with The Centre of Excellence for Healthcare Analysis, included presentations from Liz Adair – Associate Director of Medicine & Emergency Care at Colchester University Hospital and Orlando Agrippa – Owner and Director of healthcare consultancy Draper & Dash.
Commenting on the findings, Tim Dixon, Senior Manager at Venn Group says; “Information has long been the life-blood of the National Health Service, and real time data can be incredibly valuable. In light of recent scandals such as the Francis Report, we are now beginning to realise the importance of informatics specialists who can facilitate the supply of non-retrospective data. For example, in cases such as the PATIS report – which outlines mortality in hospitals - real-time data can potentially be utilised to prevent deaths by enabling NHS Mangers and Clinicians to make smarter, more informed decisions.”
