FAQs
- The RMDS is a data specification detailing provider level data reporting fields (and underpinning specifications) for Digital Social Care Records (DSCR).
- Only data that can be derived from DSCRs and MODS in an automated way will feature in the RMDS. This will include location details, information about the services a care provider delivers, and developing measures that can help inform care quality and safety.
- The RMDS will be developed into an Information Standard for DSCR solution suppliers to adopt within their digital records systems for care providers to use.
The ambition is that the RMDS can underpin a consistent and well-defined approach to reporting data based on the content and structure of DSCRs, helping to reduce the data and reporting burden on care providers.
- Provider/location level data will be derived from the DSCR Minimum Operational Data Standard (MODS) collected routinely by staff through DSCRs whilst they deliver care, so they will not need to set aside additional time to record provider level data separately.
- The RMDS is made up of existing data fields currently used by a range of different provider data collections such as the CQC Provider Information Returns (PIR). The RMDS is a step towards streamlining the number of data collections care providers are asked to take part in.
- DSCRs and consequently the RMDS can support a more automated and consistent approach to the collation and submission of data required from providers by reducing time spent, particularly by registered managers, carrying out manual data collation and reporting.
The RMDS will provide standardised reporting level information to evidence quality and safety of their service to regulators and commissioners.
It will provide reporting level information to support benchmarking with other care services and will help ensure reporting data can be shared securely and safely with the sector.
As we develop the RMDS from a specification into an Information Standard for adoption by DSCR suppliers, we will actively engage with people who draw on care and their representatives, in line with information governance and security processes.
Information will only be gathered at the provider level so it will not collect people’s individual identifiable data. For example, it may collate how many people are receiving care at a location by age but will not include details of personal information on who is what age.