Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board
PUBLIC HEALTH & HEALTH STRATEGY DIVISION
Job Description
Title of Post:
Health Intelligence Analyst Specialist
(Patient Flow/Reporting Development)
Department:
Public Health Intelligence & Information Services
Division
Public Health Division
Location:
Health Board Offices
Reports to:
Head of Public Health Intelligence &
Information Services
Job Reference:
Job Summary:
Work as part of the Public Health Intelligence & Information Services Department
assisting in the achievement of key objectives through the provision of specialist
analytical skills across a range of patient information systems. The focus will be on
developing systems reporting from a range of patient information systems and advising on
specialist analytical methods for the team of analysts within the department and the wider
organisation. Additionally, the postholder will themselves have responsibility for the
management of reporting and analysis in the discrete area of patient pathway monitoring.
This will involve responsibility for production of operational and strategic reports and
analysis on patient pathway monitoring and submission of national returns in this area as
required.
Additionally the postholder will offer specialist support in meeting the public health
intelligence requirements of the department.
Dimensions:
The postholder will be responsible for day to day management of junior staff within the
department. The post has no budgetary responsibility.
This postholder will work within the Public Health Intelligence & Info. Services
Department to support the Head of Department and Senior Public Health Analyst in the
departments role as public health intelligence service and operational management
information provider for the Western Isles NHS Board. Primarily the postholder will
serve the systems reporting and analytical requirements of the hospital services division in
developing patient pathway monitoring for successful delivery of a number of emerging
patient pathway targets. The postholder will also provide cross-cover support for the work
of the other Analysts within the department by keeping abreast of all the workstreams of
the HI team. As a member of the Public Health Intelligence & Info. Services Department
the postholder will be managed by the Departmental head.
Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board
Role of the Department:
To provide as part of Public Health and Health Strategy Division, information, public
health intelligence and information management services for Western Isles NHS Board to
support the Board in its public health surveillance and strategic planning role for
healthcare provision to the resident population of the Western Isles. Additionally to
provide an information and analysis service to the operational divisions of the
organization including the Hospital Services and Community Services divisions.
Organisational Chart:
Director of Public
Health
Head of Public
Health
Intelligence &
Information
Services
Senior Public
Health Analyst
Health
Intelligence
Analyst Specialist
(Waiting Times/
Development)
Health
Intelligence
Analyst Specialist
(Mental Health &
Community
Health)
Health
Intelligence
Analyst Specialist
(Acute and Data
Quality)
Health
Intelligence
Analyst Specialist
(Reporting
Development)
Health & Social
Care Analyst
Substance
Misuse
Information &
Research Officer
THIS POST
Health
Intelligence
Analyst
(Performance)
Key Result Areas:
Business Intelligence: Systems Reporting and data development
1. Responsibility for the development of efficient and effective reporting approaches
to health care information using specialist Business Intelligence skills in data
discovery, transformation and analytics. This will involve use of a range of
reporting applications eg. SQL Server Reporting Services, QlikView.
2. Give specialist assistance to analysts in establishing and automating where possible
reporting routines according to analysts areas of reporting responsibility.
Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board
3. Advise and train where appropriate members of the department on the development
of improved business intelligence reporting technologies.
4. Monitor data quality in business intelligence outputs to maximize data
completeness and accuracy.
5. Liase with IT, Medical Records staff and system suppliers as part of new systems
procurement/implementation on system data schema and reporting functionality for
info. Team.
6. Liase with health care practitioners and wider stakeholders on management
information requirements from health care information systems.
7. Advise Head of department on most effective reporting tools and user training
requirements including supporting of end user training in these tools.
8. Review new requirements for data capture/development and advise on potential inhouse solutions liasing with IT dept. DB Administrator and others.
9. Undertakes data linkage and extraction tasks and assists in the development and
maintenance thereafter of data linkage infrastructure including quality assuring of
datasets and documentation of methodologies utilised in linkage/extraction.
10. Develop reporting applications/dashboards based on new linked data resource using
range of BI tools.
Management Information Service
11. Lead officer for ensuring accurate and timely submission of regular monitoring
reports on referral to treatment patient pathway performance and related data
reporting to the Scottish Government Health Department.
12. Lead officer for production and development of referral to treatment patient
tracking lists for supporting operational management of waiting lists.
Responsibility for intelligence highlighting areas requiring attention by local
management teams.
13. Responsible for setting up data linkage strategies to range of systems and datasets
and developing reporting from such data sources eg. Primary Care data.
14. Establish or develop enhanced reporting from patient systems to enable patient
journey/flows to be tracked both for hospital and non-hospital care events. patient
journeys.
15. Develop knowledge around range of data sources and measures in relation to
national Access workstreams to enable specialist cross cover for key statutory and
local WT reporting responsibilities of HIAS (WT) and vice-versa.
Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board
16. To be key HI contact for a number of data sources and ensure other Analysts in
team have sound knowledge of reporting capabilities of such datasets. This will
include Primary Care, SCI Gateway referral and hospital PAS datasets but may
include others as these are developed.
17. Ensure department is kept abreast of data and reporting developments in the
national patient journey/flow workstreams.
18. Assist with the updating of a range of both organizational performance measures
and clinical outcome indicators to support central monitoring tools such as the
Local Delivery Plan, MMIs and local operational performance management needs.
Public Health Intelligence
19. To assist the Head of Department with data extraction, analysis and data
management requirements in delivering upon a work programme of public health
intelligence.
20. Provide specialist analysis and interpretation of highly complex and varied datasets
and statistical outputs.
21. To assist with developing forecasting models for population and service client
groups to enable population health and service planning.
General requirements
22. To represent the Department at meetings/presentations as required.
23. Deliver organizational training requirements in their area of expertise within data
collection, specialist analysis and reporting.
24. Contribute to the development and maintenance of efficient data collation,
maintenance and management procedures.
25. To keep up to date with information practices and policies through all the
appropriate resources, to enable effective delivery of the information service to the
Board.
26. Assist as appropriate in the specification, design and development of databases,
spreadsheets and information systems to support the requirements of an effective
health intelligence service.
Equipment and Machinery:
Postholder should be proficient in the use of computers, video-conferencing equipment
and slide projectors and other visual aid technology. This will involve standard keyboard
ability and skills in setting up and use of appropriate presentation equipment/software.
Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board
Information Systems and Resources:
o Responsibility for ensuring the information management and reporting
requirements of patient systems meet the needs of the department.
o Responsibility for operating a variety of hospital patient information systems for
the Public Health Division. This will involve the maintenance and development of
departmental database systems. Additionally, postholder will be responsible for
developing reporting systems and databases to capture whole system patient data
from variety of disparate systems.
o Assist in providing a specialist information service for the monitoring of the
Board’s strategic and operational performance – providing management
information to divisional management teams.
o Responsibility for maintaining variety of complex linked patient databases of
healthcare services utilization and in particular patient journey data.
o Responsibility for implementing and developing specialist forecasting and
modeling systems with the use of proprietary software and development of the use
of system and the outputs by clinicians and managers within the organization.
o Ensure the following of efficient routine data collation, maintenance and
management procedures for the above systems.
Research and Development
Working within Public Health Intelligence Department which oversees and
coordinates the corporate research and development activity the postholder will
contribute to research activity as part of their role. This will involve both contributing
to formal research projects involving significant quantitative methodologies but also to
applying such methodologies to conducting the postholders own pieces of service
audit. Also there will be requirement to giving specialist assistance on
audit/evaluation projects of colleagues across the organisation.
There will be a particular requirement for assisting with the evaluation and audit of
range of services comprising patient journeys as part of national programmes to
evidence service improvement using a range of complex research methodologies and
evaluation tools.
Freedom to Act: Assignment and Review of work
The work will principally be assigned from the Head of Department based upon the
information management needs of the organization. The postholder will be given
tasks and projects to progress to completion within there area of responsibility. The
postholder will work closely with the HIAS (WT) in some areas of shared
responsibility around data development and reporting systems. The Head of Dept. will
be available for advice and review the work of the postholder. Additionally
Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board
information requests may arise from a variety of sources within the organization which
the postholder in discussion with the Head of service will prioritise.
The postholder will operate within broad organisational and departmental procedures
and be expected to have significant self-direction and initiative in their particular areas
of responsibility around data development and reporting systems.
Planning and Organisational Skills: Decisions and Judgements
The postholder will be responsible for a number of tasks and projects to progress
independently to completion which will be delegated by the Head of Department who
will be available for advice. The postholder is likely to have a number of such
tasks/projects ongoing and will be expected to exert some judgement on prioritizing
and progressing these tasks in accordance with the workplan and objectives of the
Public Health Intelligence team. Close liason and planning with the HIAS (WT) will
be necessary as both have inter-related responsibilities within their specialist areas.
Physical Skills
The post will require a heightened ability for ensuring very high standards of accuracy
and great attention to detail in analysing detailed and complex statistical information
and data. The avoidance of error in analyses is of utmost importance to ensure
intelligence findings and recommendations for service developments are based on
highly robust evidence particularly where impacts of service developments/changes
can be controversial or challenging.
The application of advanced data entry and analysis skills for achieving the above high
standards of accuracy are critical.
Responsibilities for Policy and Service Development Implementation
Responsible for implementing departmental policies around data management within
their area of work.
Additionally, the postholder will advise on a number of service projects, with
recommendations for changes and developments to data collection policies,
information systems procedures and reporting requirements over a range of service
areas particularly those relevant to Acute Services and patient journey management.
This may include producing recommendations for policies around data management,
intelligence requirements and performance reporting in a number of service areas
impacting across the organisation
Responsibilities for Financial and Physical Resources
Responsible for safe use of own equipment and resources in the course of duties.
Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board
Human Resources and Training
The post has no management responsibilities.
The postholder will provide specialist training in data analysis and statistical
techniques on routine basis to the organisation. In addition a key requirement will be
to deliver specialist training on patient journey intelligence and its role in service
improvement methodologies.
Communications and Working Relationships
Post will require excellent networking skills & proven ability to develop and maintain
relationships for which highly developed written and verbal communication and
presentational skills are essential.
This will involve regular communication of highly complex health intelligence data
and specialist data development concepts to audience ranging from specialist external
data developers to end users of service data.
These communications will typically include the following groups:
Internal
a. Clinicians (Consultants, nursing staff, GPs, AHPs)
b. Service managers and practitioners across range of service areas.
c. Senior Management
d. Computer services
e. Medical Records staff
f. Public Health Intelligence Team
External
a. ISD
b. RTT Regional & National Team Programme members
c. Scottish Government Health Department
d. Other NHS bodies
e. System suppliers/Data developers
f. Health Board staff in other areas across range of disciplines
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL EFFORT
Physical Effort

Travel throughout NHS Western Isles, within Scotland and occasionally beyond
(driving and/or public transport).
Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board

Delivering presentations and contributing to RTT programme awareness events, and
learning workshops regularly.
Mental effort









Frequent need to synthesise and quickly understand large amounts of new, complex
information including local information, national statistics, NHS Western Isles and
Scottish Government policies and directives.
Ability to grasp underlying theories and methodologies for change and to
communicate these effectively.
Constant need for awareness of developments and potential developments in
healthcare and the wider political, environmental, societal and technological
environment which may impact on current or become a future programme of work.
Ability to deliver intellectually sound, and articulately presented written and spoken
reports and hypothesis on a regular basis to a wide range of stakeholders.
Ability to quickly and proactively respond to intellectual and practical challenges, with
appropriate and effective solutions.
Ability to work to tight deadlines and to prioritise conflicting priorities.
Substantial concentration abilities for the purposes of reading complex documents,
analysing data and decision-making.
Recognise the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in analyzing detailed
databases as a crucial aspect of the post.
Ability to succinctly distil, summarise and present key concepts and messages (written
and orally) for Senior Managers and a wide group of stakeholders.
Emotional Effort



Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders throughout the
change process using highly developed interpersonal skills.
Ability to assist with the motivation and development of staff involved in the use of
intelligence for implementing service change which can involve difficult decisions.
Ability to deal effectively and in a non-confrontational way with challenging
behaviour from staff, colleagues and other stakeholders which may arise from impacts
of difficult and challenging intelligence.
ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS & MACHINERY AND
EQUIPMENT




Ability to work in busy open plan office with possibility of frequent interruptions.
Delivering presentations and running meetings, events and workshops as required.
Postholder should be proficient in the use of computers, video-conferencing
equipment and slide projectors and other visual aid technology. This will involve
standard keyboard ability and skills in setting up and use of appropriate
presentation equipment/software.
Postholder will be required to work with PC equipment for most of the working
week.
Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board
STANDARD ELEMENTS
Confidentiality
Comply with all approved NHSWI Polices and Procedures.
Comply with NHSWI Communication Strategy and Media Strategy.
This involves taking the necessary precautions when transmitting information only disclosing it to
those who have the right and need to know it.
All personal health information is held under strict legal and ethical obligations of confidentiality.
NHS staff must follow guidance (NHS Code of Practice on Protecting Patient Confidentiality)
before disclosing any patient information. All staff must respect confidentiality of all matters that
they may learn relating to their employment, other members of staff, patients and their families.
Health and Safety:
Assist in maintaining own and others’ health, safety and security.
This involves:
a) Complying with Board health and safety policies, procedures and participating in mandatory
training.
b) Maintaining a safe working environment and reporting any issues of concern as appropriate.
NHS Western Isles attaches the greatest importance to the health and safety of its employees. It is
the Board policy to do all that is reasonable to prevent personal injury and hazard to health by
protecting staff and others including the public from foreseeable hazards compatible with the
provision of proper services to patients. The Board expects its entire staff to take reasonable care
of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at
work. More detailed information is given in departmental safety policies where appropriate.
Ensure own actions support equality, diversity and rights.
This involves:
a) Acting in ways consistent with the Board’s policies and procedures.
b) Treating those you come into contact with equitably and with respect.
c) Recognising the need for aids or adaptations.
Confidentiality
Because of the nature of the responsibilities of the post, the importance of Confidentiality
must be paramount, and the post holder will ensure that the Board’s Code of
Confidentiality and Conduct is strictly adhered to.
Job Description Agreement:
Job Holder’s Signature:
Payroll No.:
Date
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board
WESTERN ISLES NHS BOARD
PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST:
Health Intelligence Analyst Specialists – Reporting Development
(WT and Patient Flows)
Department:
Public Health Intelligence & Information Services
ATTRIBUTES
ESSENTIAL
Qualifications/Training

Experience
 Minimum of 2 years
experience in an
informatics/systems
environment supporting the
intelligence requirements of a
wide range of colleagues in a
large and complex
organisation.
 Specialist knowledge of range
of reporting tools for both
data
querying
and
reports/dashboard
creation
particularly SSRS, Qlikview
and Business Objects.
 Advanced IT Skills in an
analytical
capacity
including
specialist
knowledge of databases
and spreadsheet software
including excellent SQL
querying skills and reports
development
 Knowledge and experience of
using
statistical
and
forecasting techniques.
 Excellent
organisational
skills.
 Good communication and
interpersonal skills across
Knowledge/Skills
DESIRABLE
Good first degree preferably
in relevant discipline eg.
Computer
Science
or
Informatics.
Additionally
specialist knowledge via
postgraduate diploma or
equivalent experience in
statistical/analytical/BI
specialist role.
NHS Health Service
Informatics Experience.


Experience of using
spatial
analysis
in
geographic information
systems
Experience
of
development
and
delivery of training
programmes.
Bòrd SSN nan Eilean Siar
Western Isles NHS Board

Disposition


Particular Requirements
of the Post

all levels of personnel.
Excellent
presentation
skills both verbal and
written.
Positive and flexible attitude.
Ability to work on own
initiative, as well as part of
a team.
Adhere to codes of patient
Confidentiality.