The increasing requirements for information can be burdensome for those having to collect, enter and code data. Cernis aims to rationalise data collection and transform information into intelligence, so that it informs decision making in a meaningful way.
How we work
The quest to evidence the effectiveness of organisations has led to an ever increasing appetite and demand for data. Disparate mechanisms and systems for data collection, entry and analysis create confusion, frustration and a feeling among workers of being overwhelmed and unable to do the day job.
At Cernis we are committed to rationalising and simplifying data systems, creating compatibility where none appears to exist and avoiding duplication and time wasting. We favour simplicity over unnecessary complexity and retain a focus on the endpoint, which is that data analysis should provide the intelligence necessary to make decisions.
Selected examples
CAMHS Self Assessment Matrix, DH 2004, Annual data analysis and report 2005-10
Desktop review complex behaviour services Derbyshire County Council 2008
Performance reports National CAMHS Support Service, DH 2008-10
Child health mapping, ChiMat
Audit of inpatient and out of area placements, Havering PCT 2010
Illustration
The National CAMHS Support Service (NCSS) had monthly performance monitoring requirements to report to the Department of Health (DH). Cernis was approached to rationalise and simplify the system without compromising rigour.
We simplified the data entry, using protected data sheets and drop down menus that ran on macros and provided a simple dashboard as the interface. The results were analysed using inbuilt formulae to calculate descriptive statistics as required and these were also available in graphic form making them easy to access and understand.
Monthly reporting became more reliable as a result and reports were delivered on time, to satisfaction.
