ECDS and A&E data, comparing to aggregate statistics

[tom-wernham]

Question / Problem statement

Hello

I have been attempting to re-recreate some simple aggregate statistics on number of A&E attendances by age, in order to sense-check my code. Are there any reasons why we would expect attendances (at the applicable ages for ECHILD) to appear in the aggregate statistics for example here, but not in the ECHILD extracts? Either in ECDS or in A&E data.

I'd be grateful for any useful references anyone could point me towards.

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[klharron]

Hi Tom

The obvious explanation I think it that National Data Opt Outs are applied to ECHILD. These vary by age, geography, time etc, but as of 2023, when Opt Outs were applied to ECHILD, 4.4% of the population aged under 40 had opted out (5.0% of females and 3.8% of males).

Does this percentage explain the differences that you are seeing?

Katie

[tom-wernham]

Hi Katie, thanks for pointing this out. I've now had a look at opt out statistics here (I hope these are the correct ones?): https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/national-data-opt-out. Unfortunately I don't think this can explain what I'm seeing. I will seek clearance for an export of the results so I can share on here.