The Atlases of Variation help to identify unwarranted variation and assess the value that healthcare provides to both populations and individuals. This is produced in collaboration with OHID, NHS England and RightCare and many other organisations. Products include Compendium atlases and themed atlases for areas such as Diagnostic Services and Liver Disease.
A defining aspect of the atlases is that each of the indicator’s maps, column chart and box-and-whisker plot is accompanied by text which provides: the context for the indicator, a description of the variation and trend data, options for action and a list of evidence-based resources to support action. Interactive Atlases services can be accessed via the NHS England website.
Latest Atlas
2023 Vision updates
In September 2023 updates to the 10 hospital-based indicators (outpatients, cataract surgery, intravitreal injections and retinal detachments) have been published. The indicators are available below and the key indicators are also available in the new Vision profile. These datasets and others from the Atlas will now be updated regularly in the profile.
The updates include a revised confidence interval methodology that has been applied to the data back series.
| 2023 Data File | 2023 Metadata | Vision Profile |
2021 Atlas of variation in risk factors and healthcare
for vision in England
| Full document | Webinar slides | ||
| Interactive Atlas | 2021 Data File | 2021 Metadata |
Topics
| Introduction | Summary Table | Outpatient Activity | |
| Intravitreal Injections | Cataract Surgery | Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment | Diabetic Eye Screening |
| Eye Cancer | Sight Loss Outcomes | Risk Factors |
Themed Atlases
2019 The 2nd Atlas of variation in risk factors
and healthcare for respiratory disease
| Full document | |||
| Interactive Atlas | Data File | Metadata |
Topics
| Introduction | Summary Table | Risk Factors | |
| COPD | Asthma | Pneumonia | Bronchiolitis |
| All Respiratory Disease | Health Service Provison | Tuberculosis | Lung Cancer |
| Lung Transplantation | End of Life | Case Studies | |
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2018 Palliative and end of life care |
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| Sections | 1: Need | 2: Hospitals | 3: Community |
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| Resources | Slide Pack | Interactive Atlas | |
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2017 Diagnostics |
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| Sections | Introduction | Imaging | Endoscopy |
| Physiological | Screening | Summary Table | |
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Interactive Atlas
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2017 Liver Disease |
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| Sections | Introduction | Summary Table | Chronic Liver Disease |
| Risk Factors | Influenza | Overdose | |
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| 2013 Liver Disease | Full Document | Data File | Metadata |
| 2013 Diagnostics | Full Document | Data File | Metadata |
| 2012 Respiratory | Full Document | Data File | Metadata |
| 2012 Kidney | Full Document | Data File | Metadata |
| 2012 Diabetes | Full Document | Data File | Metadata |
| 2012 Child Health | Full Document | Data File | Metadata |
Compendiums
2015 Compendium
| Full Document | Data File | Metadata | Interactive Atlas |
Tools
| LA Opp Tool | CCG Opp Tool |
Topics
2011 Compendium
| Full Document | Data File |
Topics
| Alcohol | Cancer | Circulation | Dental |
| EmergencyCare | Endocrine | Gastrointestinal | Genitourinary |
| Hearing | Learning Dis | Mat & Neonates | Mental Health |
| MSK | Neurological | Non PBC | Older People |
| Respiratory | Vision |
2010 Compendium
| Full Document |
Additional products
National Clinical Procedures Benchmarking Tool
This provides CCGs with the rates of occurrence for 27 different clinical procedures for their local area. The tool allows CCGs to compare themselves with their RightCare similar 10 peer group as well as to the England value. The purpose is to highlight areas where there is significant variation, in order to stimulate conversation about best practice and whether the variation observed is warranted or unwarranted.
For any enquiries relating to the Atlas series or to provide us with feedback please contact us on: healthcare.variation@dhsc.gov.uk