NEWS - Making nursing data available to inform policy

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) data is a rich data resource which will help us to better understand the current profile of the nursing profession in the UK, such as who enters the nursing workforce, how long they remain in the nursing profession and are there geographical differences in retention. 

We are delighted to have collaborated on this work to help make this data available and linkable for the first time to accredited researchers. The data is now in the process of being transferred to Office for National Statistics (ONS) Secure Research Service (SRS). This will enable not only ADR Scotland administrative data researchers to address key questions to inform policy for the benefit of both clinical staff and the wider public, but it also allows any qualified researcher based in the UK to apply for access to this UK-wide data. Proposed future linkage to other data, such as the 2021 census for England and Wales, offers an excellent opportunity for timely research on the nursing profession. 

The next stage will see SCADR carry out initial analysis of the data, exploring retention on the professional register. This work will raise the awareness of the data and its huge potential, as well as answering a range of questions related to the dynamics of nursing workforce.

In NMC's current strategy (2020-2025), they outline their commitment to make better use of their data and to improve and share their data. By doing so, this will create insights to inform nursing and midwifery practice, as well as workforce planning and system improvement. We hope this work and our pilot study will help contribute to these aims and utilise this data. 

Emma Westcott, Assistant Director of Strategy and Insight at the NMC, said:

We’re committed to using our data and insight to influence the changing environment in which nurses, midwives and nursing associates work, helping to tackle workforce challenges, inequalities and safety risks for people who use services. That’s why we’re pleased to be collaborating with SCADR to make our data more widely accessible to researchers through the ONS' secure research service. We welcome any feedback on its value to policy and decision making.

Dr Iain Atherton, SCADR Co-Director, Health and Social Care Research Lead and registered nurse, stated:

This work opens up great opportunities to inform policy and enable long-term strategies towards supporting our nursing and midwifery professions.

Further information on this data and how to use it, will be available this summer - look out for news from @SCADR_data or @ONS Twitter handles.

If you’d like to hear more or help inform this work, please contact scadr@ed.ac.uk.