National Physiological Science Transformation Programme: National Data Collections
We have been asked to share this information with members.
As recommended in the Richards review of diagnostic services, NHS England has launched the first of their national data collection to gather baseline information for physiological science services. These collections will provide benchmarked data to direct improvement efforts at local, regional and national levels, as part of the NHS Diagnostic programme.
Physiological Science services focus on assessing the function of major organ systems. Within the programme of work, they focus on the following physiological science disciplines:
- Audiology
- Cardiac physiology
- Gastrointestinal physiology
- Neurophysiology
- Ophthalmic and vision science
- Respiratory physiology
- Urodynamic science
- Vascular Science.
It is recommended that all hospital trusts that provide these services complete these collections.
Survey description
Each collection will include the following standard sections:
- Activity/waiting lists
- Service info
- Facilities (equipment age and contracts)
- Workforce (numbers and costs broken down by substantive, agency and bank)
- Supervision and training
- Estates
- Digital and data connectivity.
Work is currently underway to collect this data across all cardiac and respiratory services, and further information about the remaining surveys will be shared over the coming months. Each survey will be repeated annually, with stakeholder feedback taken on board to refine the returns.
The collections will be accessed via the NHSE data collections framework web portal, using a webform
Why is it required?
We recognise that these surveys come at a time of significant pressure for providers. However, the time invested in completing the surveys will provide data that will improve our understanding of physiological science service provision and support local, regional and national efforts to transform these important services. There is significant support for this approach across these services.
Each survey has been developed with input from a range of stakeholders, including subject matter experts, data experts and specialists. Speciality task and finish groups were also established, chaired by Dr Martin Allen, NHSE National Speciality Advisor for Physiological Science.
In recognition of the pressures currently faced by providers, NHS E intends to pilot each survey with front line services ahead of the national roll out, and ensure it is as achievable for departments to complete.
Excel workbooks, detailing all the data items they intend to collect, can be accessed from the FutureNHS Collaboration Platform
Next steps
To ensure the widest collaboration, NHSE is asking professional bodies to share information about the data collections and analysis when available.
If you haven’t already, please join the FutureNHS Collaboration Platform – https://future.nhs.uk/PhysiologicalMeasurements/groupHome for information and updates about the programme
NHSE have decided to prioritise the collection of data for Audiology. This is extremely important, as it will allow NHSE (and us) to get accurate data on things we believe are a concern.