Smarter Health: Boosting Analytical Capacity at NHS

By Beth Simone Noveck, Stefaan Verhulst, Andrew Young, Maria Hermosilla, Anirudh Dinesh, and Juliet McMurren

Executive Summary (excerpt)

Public institutions such as the National Health Service in England increasingly want — and are expected — to base their actions on nationally agreed standards rather than anecdote. The collection and analysis of data, when done responsibly and in a trusted manner, has the potential to improve treatment and drive towards value, both social and economic, in healthcare. However, the goal of using data to improve the NHS and social care is hampered by a “talent gap” — a lack of personnel with data analytical skills — that stands in the way of uncovering the rich insights expected to reside in the NHS’ own data. The NHS is not unique among public and even private sector institutions who are struggling to identify, hire and retain people with data science skills, and, above all, with the ability to apply new technological tactics to advancing the institution’s priorities.

To read the full report, download it at http://www.thegovlab.org/static/files/publications/nhs-health-report.pdf.