A5: Managing information and data within the health and science sector

Question 1

Common methods used to collect data

Answer 1

1. Focus groups
2. Surveys
3. Observation
4. Public databases, journals and articles
5. Carrying out practical investigations
6. Official statistics

Question 2

What are Focus groups?

Answer 2

A highly structured interview where participants are usually selected on the basis that they will have something to say on the same topic, rather than being randomly selected. A focus group will have a facilitator whose job is to guide them in discussion and manage interactions between participants.

produce high quantities of data to be processed and analysed

Question 3

What are surveys?

Answer 3

A way of gathering factual information as well as views and opinions. there are 2 types:
1. Closed-question surveys
2. open-question surveys

Question 4

What are closed questions?

Answer 4

Questions that require a simple answer

Question 5

What are open questions?

Answer 5

questions that require a longer answer or eplanation

Question 6

What is ‘observation’

Answer 6

Gathering data by behaviour. In clinical and pharmaceutical research, randomised controlled trails for an experimental treatment or drug will usually have 2 groups: test group and control group. Allows you to compare behaviours.

Question 7

difference between prospective and retrospective

Answer 7

Prospective refers to things that may happen in the future, while retrospective refers to things that have already occured.

Question 8

What are public databases, journals and articles

Answer 8

evidence-based resources for health and social care. includes literature data, statistical data,

Question 9

Carrying out practical investigations

Answer 9

1. clinical trials of pharmaceuticals usually run by pharmaceutical companies
2. investigation of different types of care or treatment, such as comparison of drug treatment with talking therapies for treating mental illnesses
3. investigation of different types of therapy: such as the RECOVERY trail into treatments for Covid-19

Question 10

examples of official statistics

Answer 10

1. general public database
2. alcohol, tobacco and drug use
3. cancer
4. cardiovascular disease
5. child and maternal health
6. chronic disease
7. COVID-19
8. diet and physical activity
9. obesity
10. end of life care
11. immunisation and infectious diseases
12. mental health
13. sexual an reproductive health

Question 11

data types

Answer 11

1. quantitative data is numerical data such as measurements
   could be
   - discrete: numerical and can be counted (integer) continuous: is numerical and can be measured (weight, height)
2. qualitative data is descriptive

Question 12

advantages of quantitative data being collected automatically

Answer 12

1. data can be collected without the need for a human operator to be present
2. data can be captured continuously, for long periods if necessary
3. once captured by the computer, the data can be analysed and processed

Question 13

difference between dependent variables and independent variables

Answer 13

dependent variable depends on that of another variable (we measure this one) while independent variables value do not depend on that of another variable (the one we change)

Question 14

ways to present data

Answer 14

1. tables
2. graphs and charts

Question 15

types of graphs and charts

Answer 15

1. line graph show continuous data
2. scatter graph used when comparing two variables (correlation)
3. bar charts and histograms used to display categorical data
4. pie chart used to show proportions and percentages

Question 16

define ‘categorical data’

Answer 16

divided into groups or categories

Question 17

difference between bar charts and histograms

Answer 17

bar charts
- spaces between groups
- must be same size
- uses categorical data that have an independent variable that is non-numerical

histograms
- touch
- can be different sizes
- uses discrete or continuous data (numerical)

Question 18

how to make pie chart

Answer 18

1. find percentage
2. divide by 100
3. times by 360

Question 19

depth of analysis required

Answer 19

1. simple analysis such as calculating the mean (average)
2. more complex analysis such as statistical tests

determines how we record and present the data

Question 20

why the intended audience matters when presenting data

Answer 20

decides what information you should share, and how you share it

Question 21

the importance of accuracy, attention to detail and legibility of any written information or data

Answer 21

1. may be necessary to comply with legal requires such as the UK GDPR
2. need to limit liability, either our own or that of an organisation
3. able to provide an accurate account of events
4. help collaboration in integrated working and data sharing
5. helps to ensure accurate analysis of findings
6. provide evidence needed in support of audit trails
7. to help ensure reproducibility of results

Question 22

what does it mean when results are repeatable?

Answer 22

can carry out the same investigation several times in the same place, using the same method under the same conditions, and get the same result

Question 23

what does it mean when results are reproducible?

Answer 23

investigations carried out by different people, in different places using different methods or equipment, and get the same result

Question 24

design of consistent and reliable results:

Answer 24

1. formulating a clear hypothesis to be tested
2. designing an experiment to test that hypothesis
3. controlling all variables
4. repeating measurements, excluding anomalous results
5. performing a statistical analysis to test significance of results

Question 25

new technology that is applied in the recording and reporting of information and data

Answer 25

1. AI/machine learning 2. mobile technology and applications 3. cloud-based systems 4. digital information management systems 5. data-visualisation tools

Question 26

what is machine learning?

Answer 26

a branch of ai that uses computers to imitate the ways in which humans learn. the algorithm can be trained to interpret a sample set of data and then automatically improve the algorithm

Question 27

How personal information is protected:

Answer 27

1. Data Protection Act 2018 2. UK GDPR 3. Local ways of working/organisational policies

Question 28

What is the Data Protection Act 2018?

Answer 28

Implements the GDPR. controls the use of personal information by organisations, businesses or the government.

Question 29

What is the GDPR?

Answer 29

General Data Protection Regulation provides set principles with which any individual or organisation processing sensitive personal data must comply 1. consent 2. fulfing a contract 3. legal obligation 4. necessary for protection 5. necessary to perform a task in public interest 6. necessary for organisation to pursue its legitimate interests

Question 30

ways local ways of working/organisation policies protect data

Answer 30

1. ensuring data is stored securely 2. restricting the use of mobile devices as ways in which personal data can be misused 3. preventing potential conflicts of interest

Question 31

positive use of social media in health and science sectors

Answer 31

1. awareness campaigns and disseminating information to specific groups or health messages 2. correcting misinformation 3. crisis communication and monitoring 4. monitoring public health 5. data gathering 6. establishing patient support networks 7. recruitment 8. marketing by commercial and healthcare organisations

Question 32

restrictions on the use of social media in the health and science sector

Answer 32

1. do not post sensitive or personal information about yourself or others 2. maintain professional boundaries when interacting with individuals outside the organisation 3. do not share inaccurate or non-evidence-based information

Question 33

risks of misuse of social media

Answer 33

1. reputational damage 2. infringement of the intellectual property rights of others 3. liability for any discriminatory or defamatory comments posted by employees 4. possible unauthorised sharing of confidential information

Question 34

advantages of using IT systems to record, retrieve and store information and data

Answer 34

1. ease of access, sharing and transferring data 2. the speed of data analysis as well as the ability to use AI/machine learning 3. greater data security 4. standardisation of data 5. the ability to have continuous and/or real-time monitoring of data 6. cost and space saving 7. integrated working

Question 35

how security measures protect data stored by organisations

Answer 35

1. controlling access to information 2. allowing only authorised staff into specific work areas so that they cannot physically access sensitive computer equipment 3. required regular and up-to-date staff training in complying with data security 4. making regular backup of files 5. using up-to-date cyber security strategies to protect against unintended or unauthorised access 6. ensuring backup data us stored externally such as a cloud-based or servers elsewhere

Question 36

what to do if information is not stored securely

Answer 36

1. secure the information where possible 2. record and report the incident to the designated person