Geographical Information Systems in the NHS

Principal Investigators

Professor Gary Higgs, School of Computing, University of Glamorgan
Dr Myles Gould
Dr Darren Smith

Dates

1st March 2001 - 28th February 2002

Grant

ESRC Award R000 22 3473

Aims

To investigate the implications of recent NHS changes on the use of geographically referenced data & GIS technology
To survey levels & variations in the use of GIS within the primary & secondary health care sectors
To build & extend on a previous cross sectional survey of GIS use by health authorities (and beyond)
To review / survey types of GIS applications being used in the light of recent changes in the nature & structure of UK primary & secondary health care
To understand reasons for variations in the use & wider implementation of GIS
To examine the nature & extent of intra- / inter-data exchange within the NHS
To consider the potential of GIS in addressing a number of key policy tasks
To assess the potential uses of other NHS C&IT developments & initiatives for sharing health information

Summary

This study aims to investigate the implications of recent changes in the NHS on the use of geographically referenced data and GIS.

The recent white papers 'The New NHS' and 'Our Healthier Nation' have refocused the operational and strategic objectives of health authorities and health care providers. Health authorities, primary care groups and health care trusts are concerned with meeting the health needs of local populations, commissioning and providing services that meet these needs, and working together (and with Local Authorities) in partnerships to develop health improvement programs, as well improving the quality and cost effectiveness of services. Despite the emphasis on improved information provision, management and analysis there has been no explicit mention of the role of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the ‘new’ NHS in recent policy documents.

Methodology

Questionnaire surveys, structured interviews, published literature and case studies will be used to examine GIS utilization trends in light of recent changes in health care delivery. This will lead to a fuller consideration of the technical and organizational reasons why earlier optimistic claims for GIS have arguably never been fully realized, despite the wealth of academic studies that have highlighted the potential for using GIS within the health sector.

References

Gould, M. (1992) The use of GIS and CAC by health authorities: results from a postal questionnaire. Area; 24(4): 391-401.

Higgs, G. and Gould, M. (2000) Commentary: Healthcare Commissioning, the modern NHS, and geographical information systems. Environment and Planning A; 32(11): 1905-08.

Higgs, G. and Gould, M. (2000) Is there a role for GIS in the ‘New NHS’. Health and Place; in press.

Post-Survey Research Activities and Dissemination

The results of the survey will be presented at an AGI (Association for Geographical Information) Health Special Interest Group supported one-day workshop on 19th December 2001, to be held at the University of Leeds.

Please contact Dr Darren Smith if you and/or other colleagues might be interested in participating and would like further information.

Powerpoint Slides Summarizing Project.

Surveys

England (Word doc).
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
All PCGs

[School of Geography homepage] [Leeds University homepage]

Variations in the use of GIS within the primary and secondary health care sectors

School of Geography, University of Leeds