9.1 Respond to the data indicators set out in the statement on information on health inequalities within annual reports, ideally setting out plans on how to improve outcomes in areas identified (NHS England, 2023a).
9.2 Datasets (including patient experience, patient safety, operational and clinical measures) to be broken down as a minimum by ethnicity, deprivation, age and sex. Where available, data on other protected characteristics and inclusion health groups could be considered.
9.3 Assess the baseline and set targets to improve data reporting by ethnicity, deprivation and protected characteristics.
9.4 Set local metrics to monitor progress over time and ensure these are available in a timely manner to monitor services and support timely decision-making to ensure equity.
9.5 Build in-house capacity and capability for analytical work, including investment in digital, data and technology teams.
9.6 Consider how digital technology, such as electronic patient record systems, could be used to support health inequalities decision making.
9.7 Review relevant data sources to inform the strategic development of health inequalities measures, such as Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNA), OHID’s fingertips and trust catchment area tools.
9.8 Engage with regional/ICS population health analytics teams, and local authority public health teams to make use of existing population health data and support whole system approaches to tackling health inequalities. Where possible consider data sharing agreements and interoperability with local systems.
9.9 Collect qualitative data through engagement with population groups to incorporate patient’s views into health inequalities work (such as those from deprived areas, underrepresented ethnic minority groups, those with protected characteristics and/or inclusion health groups).