Overcoming barriers to data sharing in Primary Care – A qualitative mixed study of the Metro Auckland Data Sharing Programme for Diabetes and CVD

Abstract

Title: Overcoming barriers to data sharing in Primary Care - A qualitative mixed study of the Metro Auckland Data Sharing Programme for Diabetes and CVD Introduction: The purpose of this thesis is to provide recommendations for sharing de-identified patient data between organisations within primary care under the Metro Auckland Data Sharing Framework (MADSF). This thesis aims to present and analyse the results of a literature review, questionnaires and interviews of those under the MADSF. The focus is on the Diabetes and CVD data sharing process that has been used and developed since 2016 in the Metro Auckland region. It will discuss the perceived value of data sharing, identify facilitators and barriers to data sharing and highlight opportunities for improving the current process. Methods: Participants were interviewed based on their membership of the Metro Auckland Clinical Governance Forum (MACGF) or Metro Auckland Data Custodian Group (MADCG). All 31 members of both groups were invited to participate in questionnaires and interviews, with 18 interviews and questionnaires completed (58.1% response rate). Participants completed their questionnaires at or before the interview with responses collected and assigned scores based on the five-point Likert scale. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Results/Findings: The sample size (n=18) was not large enough to conduct a full statistical analysis so quantitative results were presented as frequency distribution graphs and used for a descriptive analysis of participants. NVivo 12 Pro was used to support the thematic analysis of the 18 interviews identifying four main themes: That benchmarking for quality improvement and establishing and developing a clinical and collaborative learning environment are perceived benefits of data sharing. Building trust and improving the transparency of how data is managed under the data sharing framework were key facilitators to data sharing. Discussion: Data sharing is necessary for enabling collaboration, quality improvement, workforce development and changes to model of care. However, data alone is not sufficient for improving quality of care and within general practice. Conclusion: Data sharing is a compulsory component of improving patient outcomes in primary care but is not sufficient without collaboration, trust and a transparency of policy and procedures.