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Data

Using data to support planning and prioritisation of resources requires up to date, robust and reliable data sources, which is accessible at the appropriate level e.g., cluster footprint.

Tools to support thinking on data and evidence include:

Driscoll's 3 question approach:

  • What does the data say (needs assessment/ local intelligence)?
  • So what – which is the priority area, where do you take action?
  • Now what – what is the evidence for action / awareness or advocacy?

3 A’s approach:

  • Action – Identify the people/ population, what is the intervention required, how should this be implemented.
  • Advocacy – what is beyond my immediate control but is something I need to advocate for with strategic partners e.g., housing that supports health.
  • Awareness – what do I need to be aware of or make others aware of e.g., impact of

Population needs assessment tools

Making Every Contact Count

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is an approach to supporting behaviour change that utilises the millions of day-to-day interactions between people. MECC aims to empower all staff working with people to discuss healthy behaviours. The MECC website provides free E-learning for all staff working across clusters to develop skills and knowledge on supporting individuals to make changes.

Work is underway in Wales, to develop Population Health Management, where data can be segmented and stratified to identify population groups at risk groups, who may benefit from a health and social care intervention. As this work progresses it may provide a useful approach to identifying need and prioritising action.

Further work is required in Wales, to strengthen the collation, analysis and sharing of data between strategic partners to inform population health approaches to planning, the launch of the National Data Resource (NDR) may support this.

There are numerous dashboards which contain data relevant to primary and community care, that are useful for planning purposes including:

Service specific data will be available from local health boards.

Topic specific data sources include: