Health and care leaders partner With Qlik to solve population health challenges
Cheshire's move towards single clinical commissioning group continues with implementation of Qlik predictive analytics
Qlik has partnered with health and care leaders in Cheshire to develop predictive tools that enable frontline staff to better identify and support patients at highest risk of health deterioration.
A fundamental aspect of the NHS Long Term Plan is ‘population health’, an approach aimed at improving physical and mental health, promoting wellbeing, and reducing health inequalities across entire populations, marking a move towards more-preventative care, particularly for those who are frail or live with long-term conditions.
In Cheshire, this approach is supported by the use of digital technology and Qlik Data Analytics Platform predictive analytics.
“Our local population is increasing and the profile of health needs is changing,” said Andy McGivern, associate director of business intelligence (BI) for the Cheshire clinical commissioning groups and BI lead for Cheshire West Integrated Care Partnership.
By using Qlik technology to create clear and actionable risk stratification systems, our teams have been energised by the knowledge that they’re quickly able to spot patients whose conditions are not being optimally managed
“Better use of data and technology has the power to improve health, transforming the quality and reducing the cost of health and care services.
“Our work with Qlik can give people more control over their health and wellbeing, empower carers, reduce the administrative burden for care professionals, and support the development of new medicines and treatments.”
Qlik’s implementation has been overseen by the newly-created BI board, whose remit will be to leverage software and services to transform data into actionable insights that will inform strategic decisions.
The board was created as part of a drive by Cheshire West Integrated Care Partnership to use the power of data to shift population health management from a theoretical solution into a powerful tool for use in the daily work of frontline health and care staff.
The BI board will also be responsible for the creation of digital patient registries and bespoke risk stratification algorithms – a first step in the creation of a population health portal.
“By using Qlik technology to create clear and actionable risk stratification systems, our teams have been energised by the knowledge that they’re quickly able to spot patients whose conditions are not being optimally managed,” said Dr Andy McAlavey, medical director for NHS West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
“This, alongside the ability to investigate and manage cohorts of patients we rarely interact with, is providing our staff with the tools that will provide the best-possible care to our patients.”
Using Qlik enables staff to segment their population based on risk of hospital admission and to quickly spot patients whose conditions aren’t being optimally managed.
Now, more than ever, innovative leaders need to realise that data analytics provides the key to transforming ways of working to sustain and improve the services delivered to the public
Personalised care plans which support people who have, or are at risk of, developing long-term health conditions also help to equip people with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing, e.g. being smoke free, eating well, staying active, and taking care of their mental health.
“With the CCGs across Cheshire merging in April 2020, we’ve been given an exciting opportunity to revisit best practise within a new single Cheshire clinical commissioning group,” said Dr Teresa Strefford, executive clinical director of Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
“Implementing Qlik technology to create powerful risk stratification systems has furnished us with a powerful tool to quickly identify the patients at highest risk.
“We look forward to equipping GP practises across Cheshire with this new technology – through pro-active care and identification of the right patients, both clinical teams and patients will see a positive impact.”
And Sean Price, EMEA director of industry solutions for the public sector and healthcare at Qlik, adds: “The pressure on our healthcare system continues to increase with growing demand and risk, combined with acute resource restraints.
“Now, more than ever, innovative leaders need to realise that data analytics provides the key to transforming ways of working to sustain and improve the services delivered to the public.”
