Working with Information (Public Health Intelligence)
People working in health intelligence and information are involved in collecting, analysing, interpreting, synthesising and communicating health intelligence. This information relates to assessing, measuring and describing health and wellbeing, as well as health risks, health needs and health outcomes of different populations. Roles for those working in health intelligence and information range from senior information management roles in NHS Trusts, to research and intelligence work for public health observatories or data management in specific programmes and projects.
Indicative Roles and Responsibilities for health intelligence and information work
| Example Roles | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Epidemiologist | The role of an epidemiologist is to contribute to the design and implementation of surveillance projects and to undertake the analysis and timely preparation of routine and other reports on these projects. Responsibilities may vary, but will also include assistance in incident or outbreak investigations, research and training and links with other groups. |
| Health Intelligence Analyst | Health intelligence analysts are responsible for the collation, management, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of data and information from a wide range of primary and secondary health, social, economic and demographic data sources. They may will also lead the production of performance indicator data related to public health. Their work supports the planning and development of more accessible, sensitive and responsive health services and public health initiatives to meet the needs of the local population, including making contributions to health needs assessment, health equity audit, health impact assessment, research and evaluation projects and the annual public health report. |
| Information Officer | The main responsibilities of an information officer focus on data collection, analysis and communication within public health teams. Activities may include database specification, data analysis and regular reporting. The information officer may support the development of websites as resources of up-to-date information and documents about clinical research in their area. They may also be responsible for assisting staff with Information and IT-related issues and contribute to staff training as required. They will often develop links with research networks, NHS and social care organisations and higher education |