Managing information and data within the h&s sector

• What common ways are used to collect data?

  • focus groups

  • open/closed question surveys

  • interviews

  • observation

  • public databases

  • journals and articles

  • carrying out practical investigations

  • statistics
• What considerations need to be made when selecting a way to collect and record information/data?

  • data type: qualitative or quantitative data (for example laboratory results vs patient history)

  • the most appropriate method of data collection (manual vs automated)

  • the most appropriate way to present the information or data (for example graphs, charts and tables)

  • depth of analysis required (for example spreadsheets and databases)

  • the intended audience

  • storage method (for example digital or paper-based)
• Why is it important to be accurate, pay attention to detail and be legible of any written information/data?

  • comply with legal requirements (for example UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR))

  • limit liability (for example ensuring anonymity and informed consent)

  • provide an accurate account of events

  • inform integrated working and data sharing

  • ensure accurate analysis of findings

  • support with audit trails

  • ensure reproducibility of results
• What are the strengths and limitations of results of investigations?

  • strengths (for example consistent results produced under controlled conditions)
  • limitations (for example possibility of over-extrapolation)
• What are the strengths and limitations of patient history?

  • strengths (for example provides detailed information over time)
  • limitations (for example may not be accurate or complete)
• What are the strengths and limitations of patient test results?

  • strengths (for example laboratory and test accreditation ensures standardisation)
  • limitations (for example results are open to subjectivity)
• What are the strengths and limitations to published literature?

  • strengths (for example peer review improves validity)
  • limitations (for example could be based on small-scale/biased research or come from fraudulent sources)
• What are the strengths and limitations to real-time observations?

  • strengths (for example immediate data)
  • limitations (for example possible subjectivity)
• New technology applied in recording and reporting of information/data


  • AI/machine learning (for example use of bioinformatics tools to analyse and process large data sets)
  • Mobile technology and applications (for example to capture health informatics and location data -track and trace)
  • Cloud-based systems (for example use of electronic health records (EHRs) enables easier data sharing for further analysis)
  • Digital information management systems (for example to enable a digital audit trail)
  • Data-visualisation tools (for example to consolidate multiple data sources for presentation)
• How does the Data Protection Act 2018 protect personal information?

  It controls the use of personal information by organisations, businesses or the Government
• How does the UK GDPR protect personal information? 


  It provides a set of principles with which any individual or organisation processing sensitive data must comply
• What are the local ways of working/organisational policies to ensure compliance with legislation and regulations, depending on the sector?

  • ensuring that data is stored securely (electronically or paper-based)
  • restricting the use of mobile devices in order to ensure confidentiality
  • preventing potential conflicts of interest
• How is confidentiality ensured when using screens to input or receive data?

  • logging out of a system when leaving the screen

  • protecting login and password information

  • being aware of the surroundings

  • using secure internet connections

  • using privacy screen filters where appropriate
• What are the positive uses of using social media?

  • awareness campaigns/disseminating information
  • correcting misinformation
  • crisis communication/monitoring
  • monitoring public health
  • data gathering
  • establishing support networks
  • recruitment
  • marketing
• What are the restrictions on using social media?

  • not posting sensitive/personal information about oneself or others on social media, in line with an organisation’s code of conduct
  • maintaining professional boundaries when interacting with individuals external to the organisation
  • sharing inaccurate/non-evidence-based information
• What are the advantages of using IT systems?

  • ease of access
  • ease of sharing and transferring data
  • speed of data analysis
  • security (for example password protected)
  • standardisation of data
  • enables continuous and/or real-time monitoring of data
  • cost and space saving
  • enables integrated working and supports safeguarding practices
• What are the disadvantages of using IT systems?

  • security breaches - accidental or malicious
  • potential for corruption of data
  • lack of access due to system failure
• How do security measures protect data stored by organisations?

  • controlling access to information (for example levels of authorised logins and passwords)

  • allowing only authorised staff into specific work areas

  • requiring regular and up-to-date staff training in complying with data security

  • making regular back-ups of files

  • using up-to-date cyber security strategies to protect against unintended or unauthorised access

  • ensuring that back-up data is stored externally (for example cloud-based or separate servers)
• What to do if information is not stored correctly

  • secure the information where possible

  • record and report the incident to the designated person, following organisational policies and procedures
• What is bias?


  When a researchers opinions, assumptions and beliefs impact the research
• What is a double blind experiment?

  In order to test the effectiveness of a drug while avoiding bias, a double blind experiment is used. This is when a randomised selection of people are chosen by a computer to either be in the control group or the experimental group, this meaning one group will be given the real drug and the other the placebo