Trusts and the NHS as a whole are moving to a world where information not only drives the performance management of targets but directly affects income. In this circumstance the days when submitting data was merely a "feed the beast" exercise are gone. Now data means money, and money means healthcare and jobs.

Moreover, a backward looking approach with reports coming out days or weeks after the event is now longer of any use for managers.

Within the National Programme there are sometimes gaps in terms of reporting capabilities as Data Set Changes Notices (DSCN’s) lag performance reporting requirements in the NHS. Trusts will need their own capabilities even with SUS now developing.

At Apira we pride ourselves on our independence. This is vital in an area where there are many providers but all too few effective solutions in operation. We work with Trusts, suppliers and the Centre to:

• Define requirements and performance management commissioning arrangements;
• Procure and implement business intelligence platforms; and
• Work on processes and service design to ensure data is captured and reported to a high quality.

Recent work includes:

• Specification, procurement and implementation of a data warehouse to support a RiO deployment in a PCT environment
• Information management review within a Mental Health Trust
• Specification and procurement of a data warehouse for a Mental Health Trust using a non-NPfIT solution
• Health and social care integration. Technical and process option reviews for two Mental Health Trusts and their social care partners
• Development of National Data Set Change Notices and associated guidance in support of national targets
• Development of an IM&T Strategy for a Mental Health Trust including plans for developing their business intelligence platforms
• Review of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) secondary prevention services and definition of performance management requirements

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