In relation to information management, a HIQA review has found shortcomings in governance structures at BreastCheck that, it said, had the potential to impact on the quality of the breast cancer screening service.
HIQA undertook the review to assess compliance with the Information management standards for national health and social care data collections within BreastCheck, which is one of four screening programmes within the National Screening Service.
The review makes 11 recommendations and says if they are implemented effectively, they will drive improvements in information management at BreastCheck.
Rachel Flynn, HIQA’s Director of Health Information and Standards, said “To ensure the best outcomes for women undergoing breast screening, it is important that BreastCheck implements the 11 recommendations made by HIQA. Implementing these recommendations will not only have benefits for BreastCheck but also the other three screening programmes within the National Screening Service.
“While progress to improve the governance structures of the National Screening Service had commenced, these governance structures need to be clearly defined in relation to information management within the organisation. HIQA recommends that the National Screening Service should implement an appropriate governance structure in order to effectively address information management within BreastCheck, as well as developing both a strategy and performance assurance framework for information management.”
HIQA said that information management for screening services such as BreastCheck was crucial as a comprehensive service could only be delivered if the programme had a complete and accurate population register. “Furthermore, the process of screening generates large volumes of personal health information and relies on accurate documentation and communication of information. Information needs to be managed correctly so that women attending screening will receive timely, efficient and effective care if a cancer is detected.”
Ms Flynn said, “The review found that while BreastCheck is undertaking a significant amount of work to improve the quality of the data collected within the screening units, the development of an overarching data quality framework to enhance this ongoing work further is required. In addition, information governance arrangements need to be strengthened to ensure adherence to relevant policies and procedures and compliance with legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
“BreastCheck is an extremely valuable national health data collection. Internationally it is recognised that the appropriate sharing and effective use of information can bring enormous benefits. In line with this, HIQA recommends that BreastCheck should make data and information more accessible in a timely manner to all stakeholders, including women using the service.
“Complying with the Information Management Standards will improve the quality of national health information and data, which will ultimately contribute to the delivery of safe and reliable health and social care in Ireland. Compliance with these standards will help to instil confidence in patients, clinicians and all other stakeholders that healthcare decisions are based on high-quality information, the availability of which will ultimately improve patient safety.”
His review is part of an overall review programme being undertaken by HIQA to assess compliance with the Information Management Standards in all major national health and social care data collections within the HSE in Ireland.
