What they learned and gained
Improved understanding of new technologies that can support data use
- Using Data Virtualisation to provide a single overall view of standardised data (which is stored in various locations across Scotland) reduces the risk of data errors resulting from moving copies of data to one central location.
- Data Virtualisation is more compliant with information governance principles.
- The SACT dashboard allows users to see national analyses in order to benchmark nationally.
- National coverage will ensure the embedding of a standardised approach to SACT data recording in the future.
- The national SACT dataset enables NHSScotland to respond to rapidly emerging situations (e.g. the COVID19 pandemic) where monitoring of SACT prescribing is required e.g. SACT Treatment Activity in Scotland dashboard available on PHS’s Wider Impacts of COVID-19 dashboard.
Understand how to work effectively with SACT data
The National SACT Data Group will continue to provide the mechanism for understanding requirements, and prioritising agreed actions around SACT data. This approach has been shown to be effective in the development of the SACT dashboard, and has credibility and trust with service developers and users.
Using technologies for better data quality and use
As well as developing new technologies for better data recording and management, the user-driven approach taken to developing the SACT dashboard has demonstrated how technologies can be used to improve use of analysis for clinical benefit, to improve data quality locally and to develop a process for national standardisation across multiple systems.
Applying Information Governance to support better data use
Developing the SACT dashboard involved tackling the inherent data governance requirements, and understanding how governance can be used to support better data utilisation.
PHS was approved as a data controller for SACT data, following the principles set out in the NHS Scotland Information Sharing Accord, published as part of the Scottish Government Information Sharing Toolkit. To provide additional detail and clarity, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was developed for the sharing, analysis and reporting of patient identifiable SACT data between Health Boards and PHS to:
- Allow the collation of a specified national SACT dataset to permit analysis and sharing of SACT data as approved by the National SACT Data Group.
- Allow the production of consistent, robust, comparable information about SACT in Scotland.
- Enable the analysis of cancer patient treatment pathways and outcomes for the improved understanding of cancer care service provision and service improvement through the analysis of SACT data alongside, and linked to, other nationally held datasets as approved by the National SACT Data Group.
It is important that stakeholder groups have assurance, visibility and a process for sign off on the proposed uses of the shared data. PHS is seen as a trustworthy partner for information sharing and analysis.
SACT data governance
Ensuring the relevant governance group/s for SACT data are fully informed and engaged on the intended purposes of the data sharing is key. PHS made this visible in the MoU for transparency, even though the legal aspects of the data sharing are covered elsewhere (by the Intra NHS Scotland Information Sharing Accord, Section 4 of the Public Health Scotland Order 2019, section 2A of the NHS Scotland Act 1978, the Data Protection (2018) Act and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR 2018)).
Key steps
Ensure effective mechanisms are kept in place after projects have been delivered, for continuous improvement.
Share successful approaches to enable exploration and learning in other areas.
Consider how to maximize value by acting on issues and opportunities encountered along the way, for example streamlining processes.
Impact Stories
The ways in which IHDP’s approach and activities contributed to improved outcomes and impact are shown through impact stories.