Facilitator Handbook 2005 - PRIMIS

PRIMIS Facilitator Handbook
Primary Care Data Uses and Abuses
Methods of recording data in primary care and how to improve quality
The attributes of high quality data are explored together with how we may test for quality,
looking at data flows within and outside of the practice. Data recording and extraction methods
are reviewed and the limitations of such methods and the problems of analysing data out of
context are discussed.
Who uses primary care data and what are their needs?
An important part of the training is to identify who within the group has access to what data
and to explore how they are used. One of the problems practices face is that the same data
are being requested from many different sources and for many different purposes. This
exercise aims to initiate discussions around removing duplication and avoiding “reinventing the
wheel”.
An important discussion is to identify the difference between a perceived requirement (what
you think you want) and an actual need.
Which data are appropriate to use and which are not?
Data are often analysed and used without adequate reference to appropriate legislation. This
exercise explores if the current or proposed information requirements identified by the group
comply with law and what (if any) changes in practice may be required.
Problems and pitfalls in data analysis
The way in which data are manipulated or used inappropriately is explored and a summary of
the common pitfalls and mistakes made in analysing and interpreting data is provided.
Further information on the background and subject matter included in this training is available
in the form of a workbook. This is provided to facilitators during the training.
Learning Objectives
The training will provide information facilitators and PCO staff with an understanding of:
• the issues around the recording, extraction and analysis of primary care data
• the dangers of using primary care data without a proper assessment of data quality
and context
• the ways in which information derived from primary care data can be used
appropriately and legitimately
• the ways in which a data quality and information strategy can be supported at PCT
level.
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