Describing how people with given or grouped conditions utilise available services aims to capture the current state of affairs, and is prerequisite to considering where services could potentially expand, contract, continue at current levels of provision, or be tweaked in favour of more equitable access or outcomes.
- Description of service configuration will typically involve some sort of mapping (e.g. plotting central vs. closer-to-home locations), activity metrics (throughput, procedures, financial information, etc.), or programme narrative.
- Ideally, incorporate pan-provider service use (including voluntary and private sectors, if known) to assess the bigger picture for demand and supply.
- Consider whether the level of local service provision is comparable to other areas with similar prevalence.
- Look for any variation in rates of access or clinical outcomes by comparing cluster figures to those of other clusters within the health board, or to clusters in other health boards; consider whether local service configuration might account for this.
- If incorporating a participatory approach, what does the community voice say about accessibility, quality, or other expectations around local services (see the PACE checklist)?
- What does the professional voice say is working or is not working as well as it could (e.g. via key informant interviews/ surveys/ focus groups)?
- Are there any repeat themes as you look across topics of interest (e.g. uptake by age band)?