Unlocking data study

This project aims to:

• improve data analysis skills in Kent Sussex and Surrey (KSS) public health teams,
• solve problems around data linkage,
• understand how best to involve the public in organising and and analysing decisions of linked health and administrative datasets.

Background

English local authorities (LAs) are responsible for improving local population health, led by Public Health Teams. Kent Surrey and Sussex LAs want to link and use data from health services, social care, housing or education. This will help them to better understand needs and strengths of people, services, and communities; and identify ways to improve health.

Linked datasets have been started, but barriers prevent LAs from using data to full potential.

1. PH teams lack advanced data analysis skills and staff to answer complex data questions.

2. There are difficulties in linking non-health (housing, education) with health and social care data (social services, GP records).

3. The local Integrated Care Systems (ICS),managing the datasets, do not currently understand how the public feel about their data being linked and used for analysis to improve services and public health. Better ways of involving the public, informed by public views, need to be put in place.

Design and methods

How we will tackle these barriers :

1) Form a new working community between university data scientists, PH teams, teams running linked datasets, and public representatives. This community will discuss challenges, barriers and solutions, using events called ‘data-sprints’. They will brainstorm and kick-start solutions for understanding complex datasets, finding necessary skills and methods to tackle pressing data issues chosen by the LAs.

2) Provide six months’ dedicated time and funding for university data scientists to actively support and train two PH analysts in Kent and Sussex to work on problems tackled at the data sprints. The focus will be on linking complex sources of data together (Kent) and using linked health and care data to find earlier opportunities to keep people well and independent for longer (Sussex).

3) Hold discussion groups with members of the public to understand more about their views around using health data and other forms of data that might be linked by ICS. We want to advise ICS plans for including the public in decision-making around data access and priorities for data projects, and how to be clear and trustworthy about data use.

Patient and public involvement

Multiple members of the public were involved in designing and reviewing this project. A public co-applicant will contribute to decision-making and support the public-focused work. We will consult further with public throughout the project, including them in our working community, reviewing project documents, and analysing strand three, focusing on consulting with the public.

Dissemination

A project report, publication in a scientific journal and lay summary will be made freely available online. We will share our findings through events for the public, local researchers, service providers and analysts. The working community will be sustained beyond the project, to continue developing analytical and research skills to help the public stay well and prevent ill health.

Funding: NIHR Public Health Research

More information on the Brighton and Sussex Medical School website