Big Data in little optics

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In the third article of our Business Basics series,  Carlos Isoard and  Gareth Paterson consider how intelligent use of available data can help create more responsive patient services

In December 2012 David Clulow Opticians announced the launch of a trial using Apple tablet computers in the dispensing and sales portion of their service. This may offer an opportunity for these clinics to gather a different form of information.

Traditional data collection in clinical practice has been restricted to the patient's notes, the appointment book and the memory of the staff. These are often static repositories of knowledge, holding data but rarely informing the actions of staff or management beyond whatever is necessary to perform the job. Even with the advent of electronic record-keeping and appointment systems there is often limited evidence for staff to reflect upon the care they provide. Adopting new forms of technology offers an opportunity for clinicians to use data in a more effective way to help them understand what patients value.