Using factual data, recommendations, suggestions and ideas in a logical and purposeful manner to inform decision making

For this assessment criterion, you will evaluate how you use and analyse data from a wide range of sources to inform the management decision-making process.

Data may be both qualitative and quantitative and will not only inform decision-making but also provide justification for any decisions that are made. A selection of data sources that you may use is included below.

Using digital technology to research data and information relevant to your adult care service

Online research can give you access to a plethora of information that includes white papers, green papers, regulations, studies, research and initiatives. By reviewing the evidence, you can make more informed decisions, however, it is important to ensure that the information comes from a reliable source. Some sources may be presenting information that does not follow the scientific method and is therefore flawed. Similarly, some information may be from sources that are biased or have an alternative agenda (for example, a commercial company marketing a product). Government websites, the NHS, CQC and peer-reviewed studies are examples of reliable sources of information.

National reports

National reports will usually be published by the government or one of its agencies (e.g. CQC, NHS, HSE etc.) They will contain statistics and research that has been collected on a national scale and could be used to inform future national policies, legislation and regulation.

Company/internal formal reports

Internal formal reports will provide information that is related to your own organisation. For example, a quarterly financial report will contain information about how money has been spent over the previous three months, how money is allocated throughout the organisation and how much income the organisation is bringing in. This information may be used to inform decisions about where costs may be cut or where there may be opportunities to increase revenues.

Media reporting

Media reports that are published in newspapers and broadcast on television and the Internet can be used to inform decisions that are made in your own setting. Investigative journalism will often uncover the very worst cases of care provision and although this may not be happening in your own organisation, having an understanding of what can potentially go wrong can help you to put preventative safeguards in place or justify more resources.

Regulatory findings

Following an inspection of your service, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will provide you with a rating and information about areas that could be improved. These recommendations can then be used to inform decisions about changes to ways of working that could result in improved outcomes for individuals.

Complaints

Your organisation’s complaints procedure should encourage service users and others to provide feedback about their experiences. By analysing people’s views and opinions, you will be able to identify areas that are not quite up to standards and justify decisions for changes that will result in improvements.

Quality/service provision surveys undertaken which have been completed by others

Similarly, requesting feedback from others in the form of surveys can provide you with data from a large sample of stakeholders. Surveys can be carried out via post, telephone, email or online. Care must be taken to ensure that questions are not biased or ambiguous as this could skew results. You may also need to think about how you could maximise the response rate. This could involve keeping the survey short, providing exclusive access to a copy of the resulting report or giving an entry in a prize draw.