Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get access to more detailed information?
The dashboard is designed to show practice-level outcomes alongside national figure, while keeping individual practice data private. Each practice can only view their own outcome (via its unique URK) and compare them against the national benchmarks. To protect confidentiality, more detailed practice-level information cannot be accessed beyond what is displayed.
What should I be looking for when using this tool?
The dashboard is designed to help you understand how your practice is performing compared to the national picture. When reviewing the data, you may want to look for:
- Trends in your outcomes
- Comparison with national benchmarks – spotting areas where your practice is above or below the national averages
- Referral patterns – checking if your referral rates align with national trends
- Patients feedback (on the PROMS page) – reading customer comments to gain insight into patient experiences.
Who do I talk to if my practice appears to be an outlier in outcomes?
If your practice appears to be an outlier, the first step is to review your own data, keeping in mind that the dashboard shows the percentage of patients seen, not the percentage of appointments carried out.
Are there reasons why I may not be in line with the average?
Yes, differences from the national average do not always indicate a problem. Some common reasons include:
- Service mix – for example Independent Prescribing (IP) optometrists often have a much lower onward referral rate because more patients are managed within the practice.
- Small numbers – if the number of patients seen is low, the results may not be statistically significant and can appear more variable.
- Local population needs – your outcomes may reflect the demographics or specific health needs of your patient group.
Variation is expected, so results should be interpreted in the context of your practice’s services and patient population.
Can I get the OPR numbers for urgent referrals, routine referrals or for all episodes of my practice?
At present, practices cannot directly download referral numbers (e.g., urgent, routine) from the dashboard. This is because the system has been designed primarily to protect confidentiality and to ensure practices only view their own outcomes alongside national benchmarks.
The key principle is that the dashboard is a comparative tool, not a full reporting system.
If a practice needs access to more detailed referral data, this can be requested through the Area Clinical Lead. Once the request is approved by the Area Clinical Lead, it is passed on to the Data team, who can then provide the information securely.
