Analytics —
Training activity: 1

Details

Create a relational database from available departmental data sources

OR

Modify an offline copy of an existing database incorporating new data tables

Develop data input forms or methods to populate tables, queries to extract subsets of the data, and reports to output data in a readable/viewable form

Type

Developmental training activity (DTA)

Evidence requirements

Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.

Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.

An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.

Considerations

• Organisational or departmental data sources
• User consultation
• Database purpose and design
• Importation of existing datasets from a spreadsheet
• Grouping of data entities into tables
• The relationships between data entities using a mapping tool
• Database validation
• Security and governance standards

Reflective practice guidance

The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.

Before action

• What are the available departmental data sources and what do you already know about their structure and content?
• What are the key requirements for the database (e.g., data to be stored, relationships between data, desired reports)?
• What database software or tools will you be using, and what is your current level of proficiency with them?
• What challenges do you anticipate in structuring the database, creating forms, writing queries, and designing reports?
• How will you ensure the integrity and accuracy of the data?

In action

• As you structure the database or modify an existing one, are you considering the relationships between different data entities effectively?
• When creating data input forms, are you noticing any challenges in ensuring data validity and consistency? What adjustments are you making?
• While writing queries, are you getting the expected subsets of data? If not, how are you troubleshooting and revising your queries?
• As you design reports, are you thinking about the end-user and whether the output will be easily understandable? Are you making changes to improve readability?
• Are there any points where you feel unsure about the best approach? What are you doing to address this uncertainty?

On action

• Summarise the database structure you created or modified, the data input methods, the queries you developed, and the format of your reports.
• What did you learn about relational database design and implementation?
  • Did you improve your understanding of data integrity and consistency when creating input forms?
  • What did you learn about writing effective SQL queries to retrieve specific data subsets?
  • How effective were your report designs in presenting the data in a readable format?
  • How did your in-the-moment decisions affect the final database and reports?
  • How does this relate to managing and presenting healthcare data in your future practice?
  • Were there any unexpected difficulties in structuring the data, creating forms, writing queries, or designing reports?
  • What did you learn from overcoming these?
  • Were there any aspects that were more straightforward than anticipated?
• What areas of database design, data input, querying, or reporting do you need to develop further?
  • How can you improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your database skills?
  • What specific steps will you take to learn more about database management systems?
  • What resources (e.g., online tutorials, database documentation) might be helpful?

Beyond action

• Have you had opportunities to create or modify databases or develop data input forms, queries, or reports in other contexts since this DTA?
  • Have you compared the design and functionality of the database, forms, queries, or reports you created with those you have encountered or developed subsequently?
  • Have you discussed your approach to database design and data manipulation with peers or colleagues to gain different perspectives?
• How has this experience influenced your approach to managing and working with data in your current role?
  • Have you applied the skills learned in database design, data querying, or report generation in other activities, such as data analysis or process mapping?
  • Has your understanding of the importance of well-structured data and efficient data management changed since this activity?
• What transferable skills (e.g., data management, logical thinking, attention to detail) did you develop that will be valuable in future projects or roles involving data analysis?
  • How has this experience informed your understanding of the role of databases in healthcare technology management and analytics?
  • What clear actions for continued development in database management or data manipulation techniques have been identified?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 1	Outcome Explore and explain relationships between elements in a system.
# 2	Outcome Select, perform and critique statistical analyses and interpretations on clinical and operational datasets.