Top tips

Many of our project sites have emphasised the benefits from getting early support from a dedicated data analyst. This has helped projects in obtaining baseline information, supporting process mapping, and ongoing support to monitor improvement. The key tips for getting and keeping analysts involved in projects are:

Get your analyst involved early

Sites that included analyst support from the beginning had a head start with data, and rapidly built the evidence base and understanding for the service change. Those sites without analyst support struggled to understand the importance of data, and later expressed regret as data revealed challenges or misunderstandings which could have been challenged sooner. Early involvement helps ensure that you and the analyst have a shared understanding of the project.

Involving analysts closely with the project, rather than an external function

This close involvement ensured the analysts had a greater understanding of the purpose of the projects, and the analyst could input into the project goals to ensure the aims are measurable and achievable. It is also valuable, as it may reveal other sources of information or approaches which may be unknown to the project team.

Seek formal support from the analyst and manager

Analysts are often seen as a valuable resource, and as such their time may be protected. Some sites have found difficulties in maintaining analyst support in projects due to competing pressures elsewhere in the organisation. Sites have recommended that you ensure management support is in place for the improvement work, ensuring that analyst time is made available to support your work.

Look widely for your support

People with access and expertise to data may not always be in analyst roles. Sites looking for information may wish to contact performance managers, clinical coders, data managers and contract managers, who exist in a variety of roles, supporting the management of PCTs and Provider trusts, with access to data being a core part of their roles.

Be clear on data requirements to information departments

It helps to explain what you are trying to measure or demonstrate, as they may be able to suggest alternative indicators. As well as information analysts, involve all those involved in delivering care to contribute to a data collection plan.