NHS Information Services Division shows how data can help save lives
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In Scotland, geospatial data is now being used in diverse ways to improve awareness of public health issues and inform key decisions about life-saving NHS services.
NHS Information Services Division (ISD) is helping to improve public health services in Scotland by using Esri’s ArcGIS platform to analyse the data on medical conditions, healthcare services and facilities that it has been amassing since 1922. The insight that the organisation is gaining from this geospatial analysis will be used to help NHS Scotland make informed decisions about where to base new services to meet patient demand and deliver better outcomes. For example, ArcGIS will be used to determine the optimum locations across Scotland for key services that will save lives and reduce disabilities in patients.
NHS ISD is also raising awareness of urgent health issues by using ArcGIS to highlight trends and concerns. In one recent initiative, the organisation analysed data on secondary schools and fast food outlets, revealing that a large percentage of pupils have access to unhealthy meals within just a five minute walk of their schools. This research is now being used as part of further studies to help develop greater understanding of childhood obesity and inform strategies to promote healthier lifestyles.
In other projects, the use of ArcGIS is helping NHS ISD to improve the accessibility of information about public health services in Scotland. By taking advantage of the SWEET web editing solution, the organisation is creating an up-to-date map that will accurately show the boundaries for all 942 GP surgeries in Scotland. This interactive map will be made available via NHS 24 and the Scottish Government’s new single portal for GP services, making it far easier for anyone in the country to find their nearest GP surgery and access the healthcare services they need.
“By transforming the wealth of data we hold into useable intelligence, we can help NHS Scotland to make the best decisions about health services, make better information available to citizens and help save lives in Scotland”