Work on the Te Whatu Ora National Data Platform has begun, with the first national data set collection due to be released before the end of this year.
The project will create a common platform for national data sets, which are currently dispersed across many platforms. Over time, the NDP will connect the health system’s multiple data environments.
Accenture, in partnership with Acumen BI, has been chosen as the design and implementation partner.
Te Whatu Ora interim head of integration Stuart Bloomfield says starting work on the NDP is a significant milestone and part of a multi-year project to get greater value out of health system data.
“We are connecting our many data environments into a common nationally consistent and available information hub, so we can track how the health system is performing and where we can improve.”
Bloomfield says there will be a prioritisation process to decide which data sets to deliver over the first two years with equity and Te Tiriti obligations as a focus.
Most of the datasets to be held in the platform are already known to the system, but a new national primary care data set will also be included.
He says the national data platform will be a solution that also rationalises the large number of data software tools already in use across Te Whatu Ora, Te Aka Whai Ora and Manatū Hauora.
“Through this platform, we are setting the strategic direction and an understanding of the pathway forward, while helping to meet growing demand. Every national solution is a step in the right direction,” says Bloomfield.
“This is a very outcomes focused piece of work, to provide data that enables improvement in outcomes across the board.”
The first national data set is due to be available on NDP before Christmas 2023.
Bloomfield says most of the value of data is currently sitting locally, and previous entities held and interpreted data in different ways. These local data sets need to be standardised and shared.
“The existing data environments all vary in degree of maturity, quality, and consistency. That has significant deficiencies, as some data can be difficult to find, link and access, or is not well-structured,” he says.
“We expect over time that there is consistency of information across the country. This will allow Te Whatu Ora’s regions and localities to share and access the information they need to gain quicker insights into both national and local delivery of care.”
Future benefits will come from connecting multiple national data sets.
“We need to provide a really seamless way of joining up data sets while ensuring privacy and security by design,” Bloomfield says.
Managing director of Accenture Hauora Will Reedy says: “Accenture and Acumen BI will be working together to deliver the NDP, which will collect, connect and share data to enable data-driven decision-making, reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies across New Zealand’s health and wellness system.
“We look forward to working strategically with Te Whatu Ora, Te Aka Whai Ora and Manatū Hauora to deliver and drive the adoption of the NDP to improve health equity across New Zealand’s communities.”