In pursuit of becoming a data-driven organisation, we aim to fuel innovation by leveraging insights derived from our data. We are committed to continuously seeking creative solutions and improvements to better serve our customers, stakeholders, and the wider NHS. It’s important to understand that innovation is not the sole responsibility of a specific team; rather it should be ingrained in the collective mindset of our organisation.
By fostering a culture where everyone can contribute to and value innovation, we empower our people to contribute their perspective and expertise and nurture a dynamic and forward- thinking environment. Our Data Science team plays a pivotal role in delivering actionable insights through the strategic application of data science and advanced analytics. Here, the realm of experimentation is not just a concept but a reality. This endeavour culminates in the creation of comprehensive data products.
Our commitment to innovation extends to the development of cutting-edge reporting methodologies, as we collaborate closely with both internal colleagues and external partners. The collective goal is to unearth innovative insights that stand to enhance the outcomes for patients and customers and deliver them to individuals and decision makers who can act on them.
Historically, our innovation with data has been limited by the dispersion of data across our organisation with key data sets ‘locked up’ in operational systems. The implementation of the proposed Modern Data Platform (MDP) aims to resolve this issue. Further to this, there can be a significant time lag between experimentation and adoption of proven insights delaying benefits realisation.
We have also recently established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) advisory group and a program to conduct a discovery and several proofs of concept (PoC) exploring the potential of Generative AI (Gen AI). The aim is to rapidly test assumptions that Gen AI can deliver efficiencies and enable us to direct future investments to areas that will deliver the most value.
In addition, our Data Science team will be testing the use of large language models (a specific type of AI) on several use cases, including the potential for AI to enable users with less technical experience to make use of our openly available data and opportunities for AI to streamline work in their own team. These are expected to be the first steps towards further applications of Gen AI in the data science arena.
Commitment
We will continue to drive innovation by:
- delivering a Modern Data Platform (MDP), with best of breed tooling, to facilitate innovation across the NHSBSA
- adopting a ‘fail fast’ approach to experimentation, creating a well-informed, productive and progressive roadmap to enable the rapid adoption of proven innovations
- testing further applications of AI, including Gen AI, and implementing those that deliver value from our data