Using our Data
Before we can unlock the power of data, we must first build strong systems to manage, protect, and control access to it.
Our Director of Digital, Dr Stephen Dobson, and Director of the LSC Secure Data Environment (SDE), Professor Vishnu V Chandrabalan, have championed an “Infrastructure First” approach. This means focusing on building strong foundations for data research, so we can use data safely in the future.
By choosing the best technologies, we are making sure our systems are ready for the future. Using money wisely is more important than ever, but we must also invest in what’s ahead. Professor Chandrabalan calls this “frugal innovation”—doing a lot with a little.
This hard work is starting to pay off, but challenges are still ahead. Lancashire and South Cumbria’s collection of small towns and cities spread over a large region adds additional obstacles to delivering and joining up services. However, we must succeed if we are to provide a fair and equitable health system.
As we move into the next phase and start to reap the benefits of this innovation, we will report on the work happening in the Secure Data Environment. Showcasing what has been achieved and making this information public through a Data Use Register—ensuring transparency every step of the way.
To access the Data Use Register click here
Ways in which data can improve healthcare
Health data plays a crucial role in improving patient care, shaping services, and advancing medical research. By analysing data, healthcare professionals can spot trends, predict risks, and personalise treatments, leading to better patient outcomes. Data also helps in planning services more effectively, ensuring resources are used where they are needed most. In research, it supports the development of new treatments and innovations, improving healthcare for everyone. Secure and responsible use of data allows for smarter decision-making, ultimately leading to a healthier population and a more efficient healthcare system.
Research
Research is the process of exploring and investigating a topic to gain new knowledge, understand patterns, or solve problems. It involves gathering, analysing, and interpreting data to answer questions, test ideas, or develop new solutions.
In healthcare research, this can mean studying diseases, testing new treatments, improving patient care, or understanding how health services can work better. Research helps ensure that decisions—whether in medicine, technology, or policy—are based on evidence, leading to better outcomes for individuals and communities.
Business Intelligence
What is “Business Intelligence” (BI) and how does it help in Healthcare? Business intelligence refers to the process of collecting, storing, analysing, and reporting on data to enable informed decision-making. In healthcare, BI involves using data to improve operations, reduce costs, and provide better patient care. For instance, BI tools can help healthcare organisations analyse patient flow, optimise staffing levels, and identify areas where resources can be allocated more effectively.
Population Health Management
Population Health Management focuses on improving the health outcomes of a group by monitoring and identifying individual patients within that group. This approach aims to improve the health of an entire population by addressing and managing various health determinants. It involves analysing data to identify health trends, risk factors, and opportunities for intervention, which can lead to more targeted and effective healthcare strategies