DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Taking the pain out of ERIC data collection
In the complex landscape of healthcare administration, one major challenge NHS Trusts face is gathering data for the annual Estates Returns Information Collection (ERIC) report – especially as analysing data from the various departments and units becomes key to meeting looming zero carbon goals. Highlighting the hurdles that NHS Trusts encounter in ERIC reporting and related sustainability endeavours, Nicholas Hughes, senior manager of Healthcare at MRI Software, examines technology’s ‘pivotal role’ in overcoming these challenges.
Capturing all the data necessary for the annual ERIC report can be daunting, and sometimes painful, for those in each NHS Trust charged with the task, due to the dispersed nature of the information required – which is normally scattered across different parts of the organisation. Yet having accurate data is crucial for assessing a Trust’s current state and planning for the future, providing an essential reference point. Many healthcare organisations – and especially those operating across numerous buildings and properties – struggle to gather the information they need to fully understand when, where, and how they use energy, space, and other resources. On top of that, as healthcare organisations strive to meet sustainability targets and navigate the road to zero carbon, the need for accurate data becomes more pressing than ever.
The challenge of ERIC reporting Reporting poses a significant challenge for NHS Trusts, with information scattered across various departments and systems. The process of gathering data for ERIC is labour-intensive and time-consuming for many Trusts, often requiring extensive manual effort to compile and validate the information. The annual nature of ERIC reporting means that by the time the data is published, it may already be outdated, limiting its usefulness for informed decision- making.
One of the primary obstacles stems from the
decentralised nature of data sources within NHS Trusts. Vital information pertaining to energy usage, space management, and financial expenditure, is often siloed across disparate departments and systems, hindering the seamless capture and flow of data. In addition, the annual ERIC timeline – typically between March and June – exacerbates these challenges, creating a time-sensitive crunch to compile and submit the requisite data. The protracted process of data aggregation and validation can lead to delays and inaccuracies. In a dynamic healthcare landscape, where data-driven insights increasingly drive decisions, such delays can impede NHS Trusts’ ability to make accurate strategic decisions.
Embarking on a transformative journey To address these challenges, Trusts must embark on a transformative journey towards digitisation and integration of their data systems – leveraging technologies to streamline the ERIC reporting process, minimise errors, and enhance the accuracy and reliability of the report. Investing in advanced analytics and predictive modelling
capabilities can further optimise the ERIC reporting process. By harnessing the power of data analytics, Trusts can identify trends, forecast future energy consumption, and proactively address inefficiencies. This proactive approach not only streamlines ERIC reporting, but also lays the foundation for evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement in estate management practices. Against the backdrop of mounting environmental concerns, NHS Trusts are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. The NHS’s ambitious target of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2028 underscores the urgency of this imperative. However, achieving these targets requires robust data and practical strategies to drive meaningful change – demanding a concerted effort to understand energy usage patterns. The urgency of sustainability within the NHS cannot
be overstated, as healthcare organisations grapple with the dual imperatives of improving patient care and mitigating their environmental impact. At the heart of the sustainability challenge lies the need for NHS Trusts to gain a comprehensive understanding of their energy consumption. This entails not only measuring and monitoring energy usage, but also identifying areas of inefficiency and waste. By leveraging data analytics and advanced metering technologies, Trusts can gain actionable insights into their energy usage patterns,
October 2024 Health Estate Journal 95
By providing frontline staff with access to data and insights, MRI Software says Trusts empower employees to identify opportunities for improvement.
AdobeStock / NicoElNino
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