Project background
Data about people’s experiences and views of health and care is central to our work. Healthwatch England relies on local Healthwatch to help furfil our national role.
In 2018-19 we started a review of our digital systems and found that less than half of the network were able to share their data with Healthwatch England, the systems we provided were unpopular, data standards were weak, and the costs were unsustainable.
From this, we have developed a programme to improve our data and digital systems and processes.
It includes:
- Strengthening our data standards with an updated taxonomy, guidance and training on data protection and support collecting demographic data.
- Introducing a good quality survey tool to help with collecting information
- A new platform to allow Healthwatch to share their data with Healthwatch England
- Supporting local Healthwatch as we withdraw the provision of CiviCRM.
CiviCRM and alternative solutions
We have been supporting local Healthwatch affected by the withdrawal of CiviCRM to find alternative solutions. Find out more about the support available to you and key upcoming dates before it is formally discontinued on 31 March 2022.
Data standards, collection and sharing
Find out more about our support to you when it comes to collecting, storing and sharing people's sensitive data and learn more about the development of our shared taxonomy, and the National Data Store.
Smart Survey
A key need identified by local Healthwatch in our digital review was for a good quality survey tool. As a result, we invested in SmartSurvey with enterprise features to help you collect and analyse public insight and work collaboratively with other Healthwatch across Integrated Care Systems.
We’re offering every local Healthwatch a licence for SmartSurvey. It will cost you absolutely nothing and will give you access to survey templates, data analysis tools, and the ability to collaborate with other local Healthwatch and Healthwatch England. Already, 60 Healthwatch have signed up and we will be funding it again for 2024.
Check out our range of resources to help you start using Smart Survey and make the most of its analysis tools.