Dr Data Insight - M3: Tools & Skills

Welcome

M1: Intro to NHS

M2: Data Sources

M3: Analytical Tools & Skills

M4: Healthcare Scenarios

M5: Final Assessment

Module 3: Analytical Tools & Skills

Module 3: Tools & Skills equips learners with the practical understanding of what capabilities are required to perform robust data analysis in a healthcare setting. As NHS organisations continue to invest in digital transformation—spending over £3 billion annually on health tech and data infrastructure—proficiency with modern analytical tools is essential. This module provides understanding of the tools and skills required such as SQL for data extraction, Power BI for interactive visualisation, and Python for automation and advanced analytics. By the end of this module, students will be prepared to discuss a full suite of tools to real NHS datasets, improving efficiency, insight generation, and decision-making across clinical and operational domains.

Module 3: Analytical Tools and Skills - 3.1

Module 3: Analytical Tools and Skills

🎯 Learning Outcome

By the end of this module, you'll have a clear understanding of the key analytical tools used across the NHS — and how they support the day-to-day work of a data analyst. You’ll explore both technical and soft skills that help transform data into actionable insights.

🛠️ Core Analytical Tools Used in NHS Data Roles

As an NHS data analyst, you'll often find yourself working with a combination of platforms and languages — depending on the setting, project, and team maturity.

🧮 Microsoft Excel

Still one of the most widely used tools for analysis and reporting:

Pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, conditional formatting
Quick visualisation tools (charts, sparklines, slicers)
Ideal for ad-hoc data analysis and operational dashboards

💡 Tip: Mastering Excel formulas and data cleaning techniques is a high-impact skill, even in advanced analytical teams.

🧾 SQL (Structured Query Language)

SQL is foundational for querying large NHS datasets such as SUS and HES.

Retrieve, join, and filter datasets across tables
Aggregate metrics like attendances, wait times, or breaches
Build reproducible queries for internal dashboards or audits

📌 NHS Business Intelligence teams commonly use SQL-based tools like Microsoft SQL Server, Snowflake, or BigQuery.

📊 Power BI

Power BI is used to visualise, share, and interact with dashboards and reports.

Dynamic dashboards for real-time decision-making
Drill-down functionality for deep dives
Seamless integration with Excel, SQL, and NHS databases

🧠 Used across ICBs, Trusts, and NHS England for high-level performance and operational reporting.

Tools Pathway

Module 3: Analytical Tools and Skills - 3.2

Module 3: Analytical Tools and Skills

🌐 NHS Digital Tools & Data Portals

Analysts often retrieve published data via:

📁 NHS Digital datasets (e.g. HES publications, RTT extracts)
📈 Model Hospital
🧰 Strategic Data Collections Service (SDCS)
📬 NHS England Data Dashboards

🔍 These provide benchmarking, open-data access, and planning resources — often in downloadable formats (CSV, Excel, API feeds).

💬 Essential Skills Beyond Tools

📖 Data Literacy

Understanding not just how to process data, but how to interpret it in clinical and operational contexts.

🎨 Data Visualisation

Choosing the right charts, avoiding clutter, and focusing on clear communication of insight, not just aesthetics.

🧠 Critical Thinking

Always ask: "What does this mean for patients, clinicians, and services?"

📢 Stakeholder Communication

Whether presenting to managers, clinicians, or commissioners, your ability to translate technical findings into decisions is a crucial part of your impact.

⚖️ Summary

Being a skilled NHS data analyst is not about mastering a single tool — it’s about knowing when and how to use each one in context.

You’ll often:

Use SQL to extract
Use Excel or Power BI to visualise
Use your judgment to interpret
And use communication to influence

🎯 Focus on becoming fluent across tools — not just technically, but strategically.

Analytical Tools & Skills Quiz

Watch Below: Focus on the interest of individuals in the Interview Panel

Interview Inside Tip: Tailor your Answers to Include Key Buzzwords of Each Tool & Skill

All the skills in this course are discussed at high level for more in-depth understanding with healthcare examples review Other courses below

SQL Course

Machine Learning Course

Python Course

PowerBI Course

Tableau Course