Transforming access: the role of data within service improvement to transform access to services

Abstract

PurposeData have a critical role in supporting service improvement and this is particularly the case for service improvement to reduce waiting times. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the barriers managers face in accessing and using data effectively for 18 weeks and then describes how a service improvement tool developed by the NHS Institute can help to overcome these.Design/methodology/approachA review of the core function of data to support service improvement processes and the development of a national tool to support the transformation of access with the National Health Service in England.FindingsThe review of the core function of data identified a range of barriers: access to data for service improvement; the appropriate use of data to analyse the dynamics of variation and therefore for decision making; and the capacity and capability to use data. The size and immediacy of the 18‐week challenge means that a national solution needs to focus on being practical and overcoming some of these barriers.Originality/valueA perspective of the reality of using data for service improvement and using it to transform access to health services.