Using data to help inform how services are delivered

The work of a programme that uses data and modelling to help inform the strategic decision making and tactical planning of Scotland’s healthcare system, has been showcased in a new video produced by Public Health Scotland (PHS).

The Whole System Modelling programme, led by PHS, provides credible, trusted insight and evidence which enables and supports organisations such as Scottish Government, health boards, and health and social care partnerships, to make the best use of available resources and improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. 

The service does this by providing a range of modelling tools which help aid understanding of how the health and social care system operates. This includes identifying where there may be potential future pressures and presenting simulations on how different change scenarios can impact the system, such as implementing a new service.

The short video features contributions from Jenni Woods, Health and Business Intelligence Lead at NHS Tayside, and Susan McMillan, Performance and Evaluation Manager at Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership. Each share their experiences of working with the programme, highlighting the impact the forecasts have had on supporting winter pressures in hospitals, as well as the hopes for the tool specifically within social care.

View the video here:

Andrew Lee, Whole System Modelling Service Manager at Public Health Scotland, said:

“We believe the Whole System Modelling programme provides an invaluable service to our partners by gathering and analysing information from across the whole health and social care system, and using this to provide modelling and outputs which can help inform decision making. 

“Being able to predict system pressures is an asset which has allowed Health Boards and Scottish Government to act proactively throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The tools devised continue to be used throughout the winter period, which is always a challenging time for healthcare providers due to increased levels of transmittable infections like flu and COVID-19.

“We look forward to being able to introduce further tools which will help the health and social care system adapt to future challenges.”

For more information about Whole System Modelling, please contact the team by emailing phs.wsm@phs.scot