Scottish Atlas of Variation Surgical Procedures dashboard: Survey insights on the latest Atlas maps

Executive summary

This report presents findings from a survey of Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, and Dentistry healthcare professionals. The survey focused on respondent’s views on two recent updates to the Scottish Atlas of Healthcare Variation relating to the following four maps within the Surgical Procedures Dashboard of the Atlas: Paediatric Dental Extraction, Cataract Surgery (65+ years), Elective Primary Hip Replacement and Elective Primary Knee Replacement.

When interpreting this report, please note that the findings apply only to Atlas data concerning the aforementioned maps. They should not be taken as representative of other Atlas datasets or of the views and experiences of healthcare professionals not involved in this research.

• 66% of survey respondents had not used the Scottish Atlas of Healthcare Variation.
• For context, the Surgical Procedures dashboard within the Scottish Atlas of Variation was viewed a total of 1,145 times during 1 Jan 25 – 30 Nov 25.^[1]
• Suggestions to optimise the use of the Atlas included: ‘increased awareness and communication about the purpose and benefits of the Atlas’ (54%) and ‘regular updates to ensure the data remains current and relevant’ (47%).
• Many respondents who had not used the Atlas cited lack of awareness and limited understanding of its purpose as key reasons for not engaging with it.
• Some respondents felt the data presented in the Atlas was too generic and lacked sufficient detail.
• Among respondents who had used the Atlas:
  • Most respondents were confident overall in using the Atlas (90%).
  • The large majority agreed that the data is presented clearly (81%).
  • 71% found Atlas somewhat useful for improving access to care.