Open Data for Policy Making and Strategic Investment: GP Surgeries

Strategic decision making using integrated city data: predicting GP pressure points in Hampshire

Southampton, February 2015:
NquiringMinds, a technology company at the University of Southampton Science Park in Chilworth has looked at the pressure on GP surgeries across Hampshire and created a visualization map that takes account of multiple data sources to forecast pressure points over the next 5 years.  Under certain scenarios the model takes current age group appointment profiles and based on current patterns of behavior shows that areas in Winchester, Rushmoor, Portsmouth and Southampton will see a doubling of demand by 2020.  Only 25% of GP practices across Hampshire will stay within current demand or will see a reduction in pressure by 2020.
This study was undertaken as part of the International Open Data Day, and developed at the Open Data Camp hosted by Hampshire County Council.
Taking data from the Small Area Population Forecasts (SAPF) from Hampshire County Council Demographers, Office for National Statics, Hampshire Hub, QResearch and NHS choices, the technologists at nquiringminds have created a visual map of Hampshire which shows how demand for surgery appointments may be affected by ageing, birthrates, migration and planning changes.
The idea behind the visualisation map is to be a useful tool, based on a data analytics and visualization platform, to allow both the general public and strategic decision makers to quickly and flexibly combine open data sources to see the consequence of time and policy changes on GPs in Hampshire.  The model has been created to allow people to play with scenarios and visually see the affects over time.
The idea behind the project came from the need to do something with vast quantity of data out in the public domain and resting in separate areas of government and census departments.  This tool is exciting and can potentially be used with any issue, not just GPs, but schools, poverty, housing, traffic and transport and is meant to be a tool for people to play with.  In the spirit of Open Data, NquiringMinds invites others to use and develop this further as a means of enriching open data and fostering transparency in public decision making.
NquiringMinds  (NQM) has developed advanced web technology and has used its UbiApps: platform to develop this model.   UbiApps is a secure “internet of things” platform with integrated data visualization and analytics. NQM has been selected by InnovateUK as the data integration platform for the Future City Solutions Program. Cisco identified them as one of the top 15 IOT companies, in their Cisco Pioneers competition.
We want to share and get people playing with this tool, so please go to http://gpmap.ubiapps.com/

For more background detail on the data and data journey read the blog post.