THE RESULTS

The work gave NHS England a shared understanding of the current DASV data landscape, including where data is reliable and where gaps and inconsistencies remain. We produced clear, prioritised recommendations and a practical roadmap to support next-phase delivery, strengthening the evidence base for national planning, commissioning and service improvement. NHS England is better equipped to plan and prioritise improvements to DASV data collection and use, supporting safer, more consistent services and improved outcomes for people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

THE CONTEXT

NHS England wanted a complete set of data that painted a clear picture of where employees across the healthcare system have encountered victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV). This was so they could make more informed decisions and support patients and staff with safer services, and interventions. In 2023, the programme undertook some initial research to understand the domestic and sexual abuse (DASV) data being collected nationally and found variation in the quality and usability of data for staff and patients.

This project is the latest in NEC Digital Studio’s body of work with NHS England. It also draws on our deep experience of working with violence, abuse, and trauma-informed topics. This makes us well-placed to help NHS England understand more about what challenges exist in the system and uncover potential solutions.

THE CHALLENGE

One thing that makes domestic and sexual violence (DASV) data collection challenging is that it doesn’t belong to one area of the NHS; a disclosure of domestic abuse or sexual violence could happen in almost any setting. In this project, we explored how different areas of the healthcare system manage, report and process domestic and sexual violence (DASV) disclosures from patients.

We carried out user-centred research alongside technical analysis across general practice, urgent and emergency care, mental health, maternity and sexual health services. All these areas have individual datasets with the added complexity of local trusts having different systems and processes for recording domestic and sexual violence (DASV) data. The big question was, how do we find alignment and ensure the data is accurate and useful to inform national and local decision making?

We were tasked to provide NHS England with a better understanding of the current flows of data from recording information, through to it being processed and reported. This included assessing the strengths and limitations of the data. We were also asked to recommend opportunities for data collection. We mapped end-to-end data flows, assessed the strengths and limitations of existing datasets, and worked with stakeholders to identify realistic opportunities for improvement.

Through the completion of this work the programme hopes to improve the various independent data sets and create a national picture of domestic and sexual violence (DASV) prevalence and the effectiveness of support services. This will help policy makers, commissioners and other users of domestic and sexual violence (DASV) data improve outcomes and service experiences for victims.

A two-track approach

We worked in an agile, user-centred way whilst simultaneously undertaking technical analysis of the data sets’ inputs and outputs. Our technical analysis provided us with the specific capabilities and potential of each data set. Meanwhile, our user research captured qualitative information that broadened our understanding of data capture, how it is processed, and how it is used. This two-pronged approach enabled us to capture both the vivid detail of the data sets used and to develop empathy for the different user groups we were working with. This allowed us to uncover insights and make recommendations relevant to the people at the heart of the service, including actionable short-term and long-term strategies.

Empathetic user research

When we work in this way on subjects as sensitive as domestic and sexual violence (DASV), it’s important to us that we protect the mental health of our user research participants and our user researchers. To do this we employ a trauma-informed approach, tailored specifically to each project. Using our tools to keep people safe is not only vital for researchers and participants, but also results in better, more open research and therefore more culturally attuned design outputs.

Our investigation of the human side of domestic and sexual violence (DASV) data collection covered user challenges, opportunities, experiences and feelings. To communicate these things, we created user-journey maps and storyboards. These materials illustrate the complex overlapping of system challenges with user experiences.

Technical investigation and design

Another strand of our research was examining the technical infrastructure and data architecture. We analysed data tables of multiple datasets to understand what data was captured where, and in what format. This allowed us to produce maps that illustrated the complexity of existing data flows, including challenges, opportunities and variables between data sets.

With this understanding, we proposed amendments to the datasets to enable or enhance the capture of domestic and sexual violence (DASV) data. These changes would ensure future records are maintained in a standardised format across all data sources,
whilst maintaining the integrity of the data sets’ original purposes. Throughout this technical analysis, all data was handled securely and in strict accordance with NHS information governance and data protection standards.

Having created a distinct proposal for the future data items, we mapped the data transformation process. This took into consideration our client’s ongoing work and plans. The map outlines how to take the data from the standardised format of the proposed datasets and disseminate it to those who need it.

Enabling decision-making for better outcomes

t’s not easy aligning the views of decision-makers with different remits, on complex subjects. Through our research, workshops and design outputs, we’ve provided senior stakeholders with a shared, holistic understanding of the domestic and sexual violence (DASV) data landscape and opportunities.

Looking forward, we recommended a multifaceted approach to the programme’s next phase – to cover both technical and cultural change. We created a roadmap and mini project plans to help guide the programme into the future.

As a foundation for informed discussion, decision-making, and prioritisation, this work is an important step on the road to planning ways to improve responses and outcomes around domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV).

The work gave NHS England a shared understanding of the current domestic and sexual violence (DASV) data landscape, including where data is reliable and where gaps and inconsistencies remain. We produced clear, prioritised recommendations and a practical roadmap to support next-phase delivery, strengthening the evidence base for national planning, commissioning and service improvement.

NHS England is now better equipped to plan and prioritise improvements to DASV data collection and use, supporting safer, more consistent services and improved outcomes for people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

TALK TO THE TEAM

Have a project in mind or just want to find out more?

You can reach out to the NEC Digital Studio team who will be happy to help.