AnalystX Newsletter - November 2024

Introduction

Cheese, Data and a Dash of Independence

(Inspired by Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson)

This month’s theme of the AnalystX newsletter is inspired by a really powerful story. It may also reflect the desire to create the next series of Harry Potter: Magic or Illusion of Data (that is such a bad dad joke…bear with us)

There was a time, somewhere, in a huge complex health system, where five characters found themselves trying to navigate their way through the swamp of data and decisions. Each dealt with uncertainty in ways that said more about them than about the problem itself. In a new era – in which the dream to federate decision making through improved data use is here – they joined forces, then split, and learned lessons about how to navigate the maze of healthcare data and governance.

Characters

• Sniff: The Watchful Scout - Anticipates changes, cautious with data centralisation.

Sniff had the ability to feel changes before they were in. The promise in data to enable good decisions across the health system hit him at a very early stage. Each time the update came, he would slow down, look forward, and calculate how it might change the map. But Sniff saw the dangers, too. One that was supposed to be centralisable might, if left untethered, undermine local agency and innovation. He had the vision, but he also had the wisdom of discernment and watchfulness, not wanting to rush in uninformed about how each wheel would go. It was a waiting and preparing that led Sniff through the data labyrinth. He kept the team on their toes, asking critical questions and ensuring no one lost sight of the future’s implications. As he quietly watched the data maze unfold, Sniff knew that spotting potential forks in the road early would be key to embracing the changes on the horizon without sacrificing independence.

• Scurry: The Doer - Enthusiastic but learns the need to balance speed with strategy.

Scurry thrived on momentum, darting forward with boundless energy. The idea of data-driven decision-making lit a fire within; he couldn’t wait to have the tools and see results. Where others slowed, Scurry accelerated, determined to put data to work and solve problems. But Scurry wasn’t always on time, sometimes. As he rushed to use the tools that were offered, he didn’t consider the larger picture — how a single model would limit option for local teams. Yet Scurry was undeterred. His energy drew people together and showed them what data could do. Every sprint down a hall, every new discovery, showed that we could move. More and more into the labyrinth, Scurry came to realise that acceleration needed an opponent. He might be able to act fast, but then he’d need to balance that with vision, or he’d be closing off local innovation.

• Hem: The Cautious Sceptic - Emphasises regional wisdom and local independence.

Then there was Hem, who looked at the data maze differently. It was for him the twist on an old hat. Hem saw the power of data, and, like Sniff, thought it worthwhile. But the thought of choices influencing from the periphery scared him. He embraced regional wisdom, first-hand experience of frontline colleagues, and was concerned that the single focus on centralisation might lose the particulars that each place possessed. Hem shuddered, not knowing what had changed and imagining the labyrinth was going to be a trap, not a path. Yet in his doubts, Hem’s caution held the team together and taught them the value of independence and trust. He didn’t move fast, but he did insist on a system that gave local teams the freedom to experiment within the larger labyrinth. Hem’s was a resilient movement, one in which even in a federated order, local voices were not left out.

• Haw: The Optimistic Adapter - Sees data as a collaborative opportunity.

Haw had his fair share of first scepticism but soon discovered the labyrinth as an opportunity. He had some of Hem’s fears, but Haw would embrace the data, and see it as an opportunity for development and collaboration. He weaved his way through the labyrinth with slow faith, treading slowly while also drawing others into the possibility of sharing what he could learn. But Haw was also well aware of maintaining system locality. His was a journey of excitement and strategic adaptation, of urging protections so that all the different wings of the system would have their own strategy. He saw in the federation of decision-making the possibility to bring together nations, as long as freedom was built into its DNA. His was a labyrinth-walk of tacit reluctance, of seeing the world not from a closed-off position.

• Thrive: The Ecosystem Builder - Values partnerships and shared expertise in healthcare.

And then there was Thrive, a new character who thought data was about connection, not mastery. Thrive thought of the maze differently: not as a single route but a series of pathways in which partnerships could flourish. Thrive didn’t move around in the labyrinth, they opened up doors, and opened up spaces for different voices, technologies and viewpoints to inhabit a rich ecosystem. Thrive knew that there shouldn’t be a single route that would prevail; rather, there should be a set of routes where each region, each stakeholder could share their expertise in the shared whole. Thrive looked forward, one step at a time, for partners to bring new tools and concepts to the labyrinth while insisting on sharing ideas and supporting each other. Thrive’s idea was clear: federation doesn’t require centralisation, it requires empowerment, and should allow all parts of the health system to succeed independently but also be part of a larger project.

When Sniff, Scurry, Hem, Haw and Thrive all walked the labyrinth together, they realised that there wasn’t a final destination. Rather, it was about building a system of federations of choices that valued the public good and the individual qualities of each wing. When they mixed Sniff’s prediction, Scurry’s passion, Hem’s prudence, Haw’s hope and Thrive’s ecosystem-building, they managed to get it just right.

They all realised the journey wasn’t about using data-tools – it was about creating a system where creativity, freedom and coordination could live side by side. The labyrinth might be difficult, but in the right hands it could be transformed into a space where every voice and every thought was heard in the service of improved health.

#DataHealthCare #GreenHealthCare #NationalHealthCare #HealthTechnology #HealthTransformation #CooperativeHealthCare #InnovationInHealthcare #MakingDecisions #SmartHealth #DigitalHealth

We would love your perspectives too on our parable and whilst we brace ourselves for your reactions, let us see what the world of AnalystX has been up to this month.

AnalystX Update

Workforce Professionalisation: Sarah Blundell, Andy Lavelle

Work has started on the competency definitions of the new roles: Machine Learning Engineer, Analytics Engineer, Data Ethicist and Data Governance Manager. There are still opportunities to be involved in these workshops, provide feedback on the draft competencies, or be involved in the testing of the framework, please contact Contact Andrew.lavelle1@nhs.net for involvement.

We are also launching a review of the existing framework content. You will have your chance to feedback suggested changes and additions to Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Specialisms, Working in Projects, Leadership & Management and Behaviours. Running from the 4th November to the 1st December, follow this link to provide your feedback. https://forms.office.com/e/VqrC7scAAg </p> </div>

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We are keen to support new communities in development of existing networks. Please get in touch if you would like support the development of the Process Mining Centre of Excellence. – email: AnalystX for more information.