Potential of national/regional datasets to support targeted service planning

This survey reviewed the content of national and regional health datasets to assess their potential to support service planning and sub-population targeting.

The Health Information and Quality Authority catalogue (v.4) of health and social care datasets (129) was examined. Datasets relevant to the implementation of Sláintecare (37) were selected by consensus. A variable list was constructed for geographic granularity, and inclusivity measures. An online survey of the presence of parameters was sent to the database managers in Microsoft Forms. Analysis was descriptive.

The survey response rate was 33/36 (92%), (one duplicate removed). Age was recorded on all databases and sex on 31/33 (94%). Socio-economic, medical-card and education status were poorly recorded on 11 (33%,) 10 (30%) and 9 (27%) databases respectively). Race, ethnicity or cultural details were recorded on 16 (49% and disability on 12 (36%). County was recorded on 27 (82%) , Health Region (not current) on 13, (38%) electoral division on 11 (33%), and CSO small area on 8 (24%). Concerns around GDPR and lack of resources emerged as key themes from comments.

Existing datasets have large gaps in variables that could support tailored health service planning. A standardised approach to the inclusion of critical parameters within health datasets is required to support the full implementation of Sláintecare.