Modelling the quality and availability of regulated health and social care services using geospatial-visualisation Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority

Comprehensive information analysis of the quality and availability of regulated health and social care services in Northern Ireland is not currently available.

This project from the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) will involve developing a geographical analysis of these services. It will be the first time that such detailed information will be readily available in this format to the regulator, commissioners, service providers and the general public, and will improve understanding of health and social care service provision in Northern Ireland.

The project will involve upskilling an RQIA information analyst in geospatial mapping, through specialist training and mentoring, and developing interactive maps showing the quality and availability of health and social care services in Northern Ireland.

Information on changes over time in the resident population will be provided through this mapping exercise, as well as potential requirements for future service provision against the current population projections. The project will also include a census of occupancy and staffing rates in health and social care services.

The information generated will facilitate improved analysis of the challenges facing the sector, and any correlation with geographical factors such as deprivation.

The mapping tool will be available to commissioners and service providers, which will help inform their planning of new services. The general public will also be able to access the information, which will allow them to make more informed decisions about their choice of health or social care provider in Northern Ireland.

Contact

For more information about this project, please contact Rachel Stewart, Information and Intelligence Manager, Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.