A clinically driven multidisciplinary team approach to data science NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group

This project led by NHS Bolton CCG tested how best to integrate data science tools and techniques into business as usual across the CCG, foundation trust and council teams. It involved the creation of a data science multidisciplinary team (MDT), which included analysts, clinicians, and business intelligence and operational staff.

The project aimed to shift the focus of analytical work from isolated responses to specific questions, to an MDT approach that helps to provide more useful answers to more clinically relevant questions using existing data.

Training in data science tools and techniques was undertaken by the project team and the wider analyst teams across the CCG, foundation trust and council, with a total of 128 half-day courses completed. Two data science events were held and were attended by more than 50 people.

A number of small proof of concept projects were embarked upon, with several MDT meetings held to discuss specific areas of work, for example end-of-life care. The meetings identified issues across organisations, while also looking at the data available to gain new perspectives on the work that was being done across health and social care.

Using data science techniques and clustering methods, two years’ worth of data from the Trust was analysed, and some interesting variation was found in daily metrics, particularly between better and worse performing days. This has produced actionable intelligence for operational staff and executives.

The skills and understanding acquired by the data analysts during the project have enabled them to participate in initiatives across Greater Manchester during the pandemic, and in more advanced modelling work.

Contact information

For more information on this project, contact Julie Ryan, Chief Data Officer, NHS Bolton CCG and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.