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

Background

The Scottish Atlas of Healthcare Variation

The Scottish Atlas of Healthcare Variation (The Atlas) uses interactive maps and visualisations to highlight geographical and socioeconomic differences in health service provision and outcomes. This includes an assessment of unwarranted variation (i.e. variation not explained by patient needs or local context). Its aim is to prompt discussion about why these differences exist and support quality improvement through the conversation.

The maps and visualisation are collectively referred to as dashboards, which are available for a broad range of health services and procedures. The dashboards are grouped into the following categories: cardiovascular dashboard, colorectal cancer dashboard, mental health dashboard, respiratory dashboard, same day surgery (BADS) dashboard and surgical procedures dashboard. These procedures were selected for inclusion in the Atlas based on their high volume of delivery in Scotland and the corresponding ability to highlight any disparities in delivery that may exist with a relatively high degree of confidence.

The Atlas forms part of Scotland’s vision for Value-Based Health and Care, which seeks to reduce harm and waste, tackle inequalities and ensure resources deliver maximum value. By providing a visual evidence base on patterns of care and resource use, the Atlas supports clinicians, managers and policymakers in making informed decisions that promote equity and person-centred care.

Scope and purpose of this research

The most recent additions to Atlas data were applied to the surgical procedures dashboard, specifically to the maps covering paediatric dental extraction procedures (updated May 2025), elective hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery (updated December 2024). This research focused exclusively on the recently updated paediatric dental extraction (PDE) and hip, knee and cataract (HKC) surgery maps from within the surgical procedures dashboard. As such the survey was targeted at Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology and Dentistry healthcare professionals; the clinical specialties relating to the procedures covered by the most recent Atlas updates.

This survey was undertaken to assess the healthcare professionals’ familiarity with the paediatric dental extraction procedures, hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery maps within the Atlas, explore how these are used in practice and identify insight to inform their continuous improvement. The findings form part of a broader programme of research focused on delivering a Measurement Framework to track progress with Scotland’s Value-Based Health and Care Action Plan.