Sexual Health
National Data Collection Framework for Sexual Health
Respect and Responsibility tasked NHS National Services Scotland (NHSNSS) with the development of a national data collection framework that would support the needs of those working in sexual health and provide them with the information they require in order to monitor and improve services. Whilst some excellent data was already available, there were some areas where this was not the case.
A number of data deficits have been identified within sexual health services, which are not addressed by existing data collection systems, whether local or national. This has left a gap in our knowledge about these aspects of sexual health services.
The framework will facilitate accurate and timely collection of sexual health data where no information currently exists, both in the short and the long term, providing the data that is needed now - for example for the KCIs - and also providing sustainable data solutions for the future.
The framework is in continuous development, covering various aspects of sexual health services including those covered by the KCIs. Implementation is an integral and ongoing part of the framework.
Survey Data In the most part, the framework focuses on clinical data and how the sourcing and collection of these data can be improved. However, in addition to this a subgroup has been set up to look at the data available on sexual behaviour, lifestyle and attitudes obtained via surveys. At the moment, it can be difficult to obtain a comprehensive picture of sexual health beyond the clinical perspective. A great deal of useful data on sexual health already exists and it is the remit of this subgroup to discover what and where these data are. This will build on clinical data already available in order to provide a usable and accurate catalogue of sexual health knowledge, behaviour, skills and attitudes throughout Scotland.
Current survey work
Following a review of available data, the contraceptive section of the Scottish Health Survey (SHeS) has been expanded and will be asked of both men and women. The content of the SHeS post-HEPS module has been updated to reflect current data requirements. When used in conjunction with the relevant clinical data, these survey data will allow us to start to build a broad picture of sexual health in Scotland. It is anticipated that these data will be available for use in 2009.
The survey sub-group continues to examine options for sexual health survey data as well as the use of existing surveys, such as NATSAL, to complement clinical data. DASH is in early discussions regarding the potential for boosting the Scottish sample within NATSAL and also looking at the possibility of commissioning specialist Scottish surveys around more 'high risk' groups.
If you would like more information or an input into the DASH survey work please contact DASH@isd.csa.scot.nhs.uk
DASH
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