TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Ardens Manager now includes a new feature that allows users to visualise patient data geographically using interactive maps. This enhancement transforms traditional data views into dynamic, location-based insights, helping practices, PCNs, and ICBs better understand and respond to the needs of their populations.
Why Visualising Data Matters
Seeing patient data on a map provides immediate clarity and context that spreadsheets and tables often lack. Here is how this feature can support your organisation:
- Spot Health Inequalities: Identify areas with higher disease prevalence or lower service uptake, enabling targeted outreach and support.
- Plan Services Strategically: Use location-based insights to inform decisions about resource allocation, staffing, and service delivery.
- Support Integrated Care: Facilitate collaboration across practices and systems by highlighting shared challenges and opportunities.
- Monitor and Evaluate Interventions: Track changes over time in specific areas to assess the impact of health initiatives.
- Enhance Reporting and Engagement: Create compelling visuals for reports and presentations that resonate with stakeholders and decision-makers.
Accessing Maps
To access the Maps feature, log in to Ardens Manager.
Locate the report you want to review. Click View to open the single report screen.
Click on the Map tab.
Navigating Maps
The maps feature can be used with two different views. Select your desired view by clicking on the drop-down menu in the top right-hand corner of the map. The default setting is "Organisation Postcode".
Zoom in and out of the map by using the + or - icons in the top right-hand corner, or use the scrolling wheel on your mouse while your cursor is within the map.
To move the zoomed-in map, ensure your cursor is on the map. The cursor will change to a hand icon. Click once on the map and hold down while moving the mouse.
Pins or LSOA areas on the map include a colour-coded heat map representing density. This feature helps you quickly identify areas with the highest density.
Organisation Postcode
This display will show a pin with the location of the organisation and any neighbouring organisation that forms part of any data sharing agreement. The pin will also display the total number of patients. Hovering over each pin will detail the organisation/practice it relates to.
Patient LSOA
LSOA stands for Lower Layer Super Output Area, which is a geographic unit used in the UK to report small area statistics. Each LSOA typically contains around 1,000 - 3,000 people and is designed to be relatively consistent in population size. Each patient has a LSOA code linked to their registered address. By grouping patient data by LSOA, the Maps feature allows you to:
- Visualise health trends at local level
- Identify specific communities with higher needs
- Support targeted planning and interventions
This level of detail helps practices, PCNs and ICBs make more informed, place-based decisions.
In the example below, you can visualise where the affected patients in your area live. The areas with identified patients will be colour-coded according to the heat map. The darkest colour on the map represents the area with the highest density.
Hovering over each of these areas will reveal additional details, including the exact LSOA area code and the number of patients identified within that area. The highlighted area will also turn yellow to indicate which area you are viewing.
As you zoom in further, you will begin to see the number of patients identified in the area without needing to hover over the area.
Additional Learning
To enhance your experience, we recommend enrolling on the Getting Started with Ardens Manager guide on Ardens Academy to ensure you are maximising full use of the platform.
If you require any further assistance on the process above, please contact the Ardens Manager Support Team on: support@ardens.org.uk