Accurate, timely and quality data – the challenges. A Department of Health Victoria Perspective Brooke Macpherson and Tamara Rogan Funding and Information Policy Branch Department of Health Victoria
Department of Health Victoria Health Services funded to provide: Admitted services Emergency services Management of waiting lists for elective surgery Outpatient services The Department monitors: Performance and service delivery Quality of care
Challenges of Missing Data Risk of non-compliance with agreed reporting requirements Importance of monitoring systems that flag when data is missing Causes: New Hospitals / Merging Campuses New Software Systems Non-compliance Staff Shortages
The Issue Data Quality Incomplete, wrong, or missing data Validation issues Importance of Training Underestimation of the amount of training Health Service staff require
Building Relationships Contacting sites Other issues identified Not just technical Staff shortages Lack of experienced staff People who don't know how to submit People who don't know how to correct errors Lack of qualified staff
Use of Aggregate Data Fall back on existing procedure Web portals – previous forms Manual data collection forms Uses of aggregate data Absolute minimum data needed for performance monitoring Satisfy key public accountability requirements
Stakeholder Liaison Stakeholders Internal and external Compliance reports Level of data availability Status of data compliance issues Issues log Impact of using aggregate data Solutions to fit requirements
New Methods Alternative acquisition methods: Direct access to data warehouse Scanned forms DH involvement with sites
Outcomes Renewed communication with all Health Services including private hospitals Stronger relationships Establishment of regular meetings within DH Closer monitoring and stakeholder engagement New workforce development position at DH
Outcomes - Workforce Strategy Establishment of Health Information Workforce Working Group (HIWWG) Develop health information workforce strategy Establishment of stakeholder working group (public and private hospitals, metropolitan and rural sites) Consultation with education providers and training organisations to commence shortly Assessment of current state underway
Lessons to Remember Communication Within your organisation With stakeholders Don’t ignore relationships Review your processes Be flexible!
Contact Details – National Health Reform Josephine Beer – Workforce Strategy Manager National Reform Projects in Victoria