Busting bureaucracy: top ten tipsReducing burden and bureaucracy in acute trusts

Our report Busting Bureaucracy – collaborative audit findings and recommendations highlights the significant and costly effects which result if data collections are not effectively controlled and managed. It makes recommendations to prevent and improve this situation.

We have produced a self-assessment toolkit to support the implementation of the recommendations, as well as the top ten tips below.

Our top ten tips for reducing burden and bureaucracy locally:

1. Organisational ownership of data collectionsReview internal governance of data collections and ensure that there is a clear documented process for implementing new data collections and managing existing data collections.

2. Cost of data collectionsAll data collections have a cost to an organisation. Ensure that all new and existing data collections are supported by a business case identifying the resource commitments.

3. Value of data collectionsEnsure that investment decisions are assessed against criteria which drive clinical effectiveness, improve processes and reduce burden and bureaucracy.

4. Management of data collectionsEnsure that all data collections have: an identified owner; a review date and process; explanatory documentation and a support structure.

5. Data collections, processes and technologyConsider the holistic implementation of data collections supported by efficient processes and appropriate, available and accessible technology.

6. Understanding the impactUse the self-assessment toolkit at least annually to develop a baseline view of the level of burden and bureaucracy and to track improvements.

7. Driving for efficiencyReview the implementation of existing technology and its effectiveness in supporting efficient processes.

8. Data collection as part of delivering careConsider the implementation of new technology and in particular electronic patient records (EPRs) to directly support care pathways, care settings and data collection

9. Embrace innovationExplore innovative approaches to reducing burden and bureaucracy. Consider ergonomics, accessibility and availability of systems.

10. User experienceStaff involved in data collections and the use of systems will have valuable insights and suggestions for improving efficiency and reducing burden and bureaucracy. Set up mechanisms to encourage their input.

BustingBureaucracyCollaborative audit findings and recommendations

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Download our Busting Bureaucracy report and the self-assessment toolkit from: www.hscic.gov.uk/bb