Information is the lifeblood of all our organisations. However, silos of data across the system can prevent us from doing our best work.
Data adds meaning to how we interact with patients and residents, especially through digital services. Without good data, these services might look nice but won't be very useful. Having the right information makes our digital tools more helpful and effective. There are three key things to consider when sharing data:
- Data governance: This means managing data properly. It involves setting rules for how to handle data, who can access it, and how decisions about data are made. Good data governance ensures everyone follows the rules, complies with laws, and uses data responsibly. It also includes thinking about ethics and being able to explain why data is used for specific projects.
- Data quality: This means making sure data is accurate, consistent, and reliable. It involves checking data for errors, cleaning it regularly, and assessing its quality. Good data quality helps organisations make better decisions, work more efficiently, and build trust in their data. It also means clearly defining who is responsible for the data and constantly working to improve its quality.
- Interoperability: This means making sure different computer systems can easily share and understand data. It involves using standard formats and methods for data sharing. Good interoperability allows different partners to work together efficiently by sharing data easily. It also includes addressing issues like making sure systems are compatible, keeping data secure, and protecting privacy.
When we put these three things together - managing data well, making sure it's good quality, and helping different systems work together - we get "good data." Good data helps us in two important ways:
- It helps us make better choices about how to improve our services
- It makes it easier for different groups to work together
In the end, having good data means we can do a better job of helping the people we serve.