Knowledge Matters Volume 3 Issue 2

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New Look Coming soon… The Quality Observatory, NHS South East Coast quality.observatory@southeastcoast.nhs.uk nww.sec.nhs.uk/qualityobservatory

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2

Annual Health Check Prediction Tool

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Trim-points

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Sample sizes

5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13

Sussex Commissioning Data Warehouse Makings Links – the National Innovation Centre SPC in practice Improving GP Data Quality in Surrey Finalising your Dashboard 3

A : Ask an Analyst Importance of NHS Number Indicators for Quality Improvement

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News & quick quiz

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SUI Dashboard

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Hellos and goodbyes

Fascinating Fact Remember to get your factor 50 out in this hot weather - last year in South East Coast 10 people were hospitalised due to sunburn!

June 2009 Volume 3 Issue 2

Welcome to Knowledge Matters By Samantha Riley

Over the past few weeks we have for the first time undertaken some comparative analysis to evidence the innovative practice taking place in one of our Trusts and demonstrate the variation that exists across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Having read Candy’s ‘Start the Week’ bulletin at the beginning of June when she highlighted the work of Mr Hugh Apthorp and his team at the Conquest Hospital, we thought it would be interesting to see what the data said. For some time, the team at the Conquest Hospital have been pioneering short stay hip replacement surgery for suitable patients (approximately 50% of cases). Using innovative surgical and anaesthetic techniques, superb pre and post hospital planning, and with the close cooperation of patients, the whole process can shorten hospital stays to just an overnight stay compared to the normal five to seven days. Having used a range of techniques to analyse length of stay data (including statistical process control) to a variety of levels (Trust, hospital site and individual consultant), we have been able to evidence the extent of the variation in individual practice which is considerable. Mr Apthorp has the lowest average length of stay of orthopaedic surgeons across South East Coast. At the other end of the spectrum, one consultant has an average length of stay which is five times that of Mr Apthorp (which may of course be related to a significantly different case-mix). There is of course a wide spectrum between these two – the challenge is how this variation can be reduced and productivity increased. By the way, we have also analysed information on mortality, readmissions and complications which has shown nothing untoward. In the next edition, we will cover this example in more detail. I think though it is safe to say that we believe that well presented, comparative analysis will play a major role in spreading innovative practice across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. We are going to apply the same approach to a number of the NHS Institute’s High Volume Care Series – keep reading Knowledge Matters for updates on our progress. The clinical leads for the Healthier People, Excellent Care pathways have now been appointed so a key priority for the Quality Observatory going forward will be working with the clinical leads to ensure that they have a meaningful set of indicators and analyses. We have already provided some input to the Clinical Leaders Network in terms of measurement and explaining the added value that a Quality Observatory can provide. In addition to this, we are currently developing a De-mystifying data course’ specifically aimed at a broad range of clinicians which we will deliver on a regular basis from late summer. Details and dates will be available via our website and also of course advertised in Knowledge Matters. Enjoy the sunshine! Samantha Riley


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