Using data to understand neurology services

Abstract

Data, information and research are key to understanding health services and identifying areas for improvement. Without reliable, up-to-date data on activity, outcomes and spending, health and care services cannot be effectively monitored and held to account. Sue Thomas and George Lawton outline how data is currently used, giving examples of how one type of data, Hospital Episode Statistics, can be used. The current transformation of NHS services will require everyone to be data aware. In neurology, the launch of a new online national adult neurology data dashboard will support integrated care boards (ICBs) to monitor key neurological conditions. This is one of the ICB tools being developed for the NHS neurology transformation agenda, which will raise greater awareness of the need for ICBs to ensure neurology has a much greater profile in the future.