BSG undertook a series of investigations, which included meetings with and demonstrations from cloud providers to determine the platform best-suited to the group’s needs, investigating various models to determine the right fit for the group. Additionally, the BSG team weighed up the benefits and risks of various cloud models and recommended a hybrid solution, integrating the cloud platform into the group’s existing environment. With the platform and model agreed, the team set about planning for the implementation and roll-out of the platform. 

The solution focused on four fundamental components of successful data programmes:

1. Governance: BSG defined and implemented a basic data governance solution to ensure the group could easily understand the quality of the data informing decisions and recommendations. In addition, the solution enabled the group to understand where any inaccuracies or gaps existed in the data, thus empowering them to resolve them. Access to better quality data enables better decision-making in the interests of the patient
2. Technology: As BSG was involved in the strategy definition for the group’s data capability, they were the logical partner in defining the requirements for, selecting and implementing the cloud technology platform. The platform was selected based on its ability to enable the group’s data foundation, without which the group would not be able to keep data and insight at the heart of its operations. Being insight-led and patient-centric are KPIs for the group. This ensures data is a part of its DNA
3. Culture: BSG supported the group in establishing in-house data capabilities, defining the skills mix required, and roles and responsibilities needed for future growth and performance. In addition, the team supported with recruitment efforts and establishment of knowledge to ensure the right people were brought into the group and the capability was ensured into the future
4. Data Science / Analytics: BSG enabled the group’s analytics capability on the Azure platform. This will enable the group to generate business and patient insights that can be used to ensure more effective decision-making and predictive operations in the future

The implementation of cloud-technology better enables insight-led decision-making. As part of the cloud-technology implementation, standards and guidelines were put in place to ensure data accuracy and consistency across the platform, cleaning and storing the data in the most effective way. Easy access to optimised data will enable the group’s strategic imperatives of being insight-led and patient-centric, while addressing issues experienced in the past with legacy systems and processes.