The MAX toolkit contains a range of guides, tools and training resources, and is structured around the three stages of the survey process: planning, analysis and interpretation, and reporting. Links to the relevant elements are provided in the guides detailed below or on the downloads page. An overview of the MAX toolkit can also be accessed here.
Please note that the guides in the MAX toolkit should be read alongside the guidance provided by NHS Digital.
1. PLANNING THE KEY STAGES OF THE SURVEY PROCESS
Planning the key stages of the survey process can help you to transform the ASCS & PSS SACE into a large piece of local research.
The MAX PLANNING GUIDE summarises a range of strategies that you can use to identify and fulfil the information needs of the decision-makers and practitioners within your organisation using survey data and other existing resources.
Further information about the planning element of the MAX toolkit can be found in the MAX planning overview and the importance of planning and stakeholder engagement webinar presentation.
2. CONDUCTING FOCUSED EXPLORATORY & FURTHER ANALYSIS
Focused analysis can help you to translate ASCS & PSS SACE data into meaningful results that can guide local service and performance improvement activities.
Exploratory data analysis [EDA] guides outline how you can establish general trends in reported outcomes, measure the impact of services on quality of life and identify areas of potential interest or concern using your ASCS or PSS SACE dataset [ASCS GUIDE] [ASCS GUIDE (2016/17)] [PSS SACE GUIDE].
Further analysis [FA] guides show you how to conduct statistical and thematic analysis, and produce findings that can help you to better understand the views and experiences of adult service users and carers, identify priorities for local improvements and establish most appropriate strategies for amending and targeting services [ASCS GUIDE] [PSS SACE GUIDE].
NEED ANALYSIS TOOLS OR TRAINING? The MAX toolkit also contains introductory guides, Excel-based analysis tools and training resources. Please click here to access these.
3. PRODUCING CONCISE & USEFUL REPORTS
Producing and disseminating concise ASCS or PSS SACE reports may encourage decision-makers within your organisation to use your analysis findings to inform local service and performance improvement activities.
The MAX REPORTING GUIDE provides suggestions on how to determine the key messages from your analysis, establish the most appropriate method of communication and write a focused report. The MAX SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTING GUIDE amalgamates recommended practice in the field of quantitative data visualisation and report writing, and may help you create effective tables and charts while avoiding some of the more common reporting errors.
Further information about the reporting element of the MAX toolkit can be found in the Reporting overview and Creating engaging reports of analysis findings presentation.