The NHS is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for mental health services. Long waiting times, particularly for young people is placing pressure on patients and providers alike. In parallel, the use of prescription medications, especially for managing anxiety and depression, has seen a marked increase. These trends indicate a need for innovative data solutions that can proactively anticipate future demands.

This challenge offer students the opportunity to delve into datasets reflecting service demand, waiting times, patient demographics, and drug usage trends, aiming to build actionable insights that can help the NHS optimise resources, predict future demand, and improve patient care.

Goal: Join the NHS team and help them form a long-term data strategy for mental health services.

Data Analysis approach – designed for students who are starting their data literacy journey

Analyse trends in mental health service demands, examining factors contributing to long waiting times. Identify peak demand periods and demographic insights to understand who is most impacted by delays.

Explore data on the prescription rates of common mental health medications. Investigate any correlations between drug usage patterns and patient outcomes, with the aim to provide recommendations for evidence-based treatment plans to improve patient care and reduce reliance on medications where appropriate.

Data Science approach – designed for students who are keen to develop their programming skills.

Develop a forecasting tool using statistical and machine learning methods to predict future demand for mental health services over the next 5 years. This model should consider changing demographics, socio-economic trends, and potential post-pandemic mental health impacts.

What this career challenge will involve

• Join the live session: Meet the NHS team.
• Information: Use the data we will provide you to answer the above questions.
• Tell us your recommendation: Provide in an impactful and informative way to advise the NHS how they can form a long-term data strategy for mental health services.

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