Getting Started¶
Haresign is designed so you can start with a question, choose the relevant tool, and then move between practice, PCN, regional, and national context.
Start With A Question¶
Common starting points:
| Question | Suggested area |
|---|---|
| How does my practice compare on access and appointment activity? | GP Appointments, Online Consultations, Cloud Telephony |
| What does our registered population look like? | List Size Dashboards, Practice Overview |
| How do our patient experience scores compare? | GP Patient Survey |
| What income or reimbursement should we plan for? | ARRS, PCN Funding Split, QOF Income, GP Reimbursement, NHS Payments |
| What does our workforce profile look like? | NWRS Workforce |
| How are PCN DES or contract indicators performing? | PCN DES, GP Contract |
| Can I pull structured data into another dashboard? | Developer API |
Basic Navigation¶
- Go to
https://haresign.net/tools/. - Choose the tool that matches your question.
- Search for a practice, PCN, or geography where the tool asks for one.
- Review the headline cards first.
- Use the charts and comparison panels to understand what is driving the headline result.
- Check the methodology or data-source notes before using a figure in a formal report.
Working With Practice Or PCN Context¶
Some tools work best when a practice or PCN has been selected. You can usually search directly inside the tool. If you create an account, you can also link practice and PCN workspaces so the site can remember your common context.
See Accounts and Workspaces for the full flow.
Using A Dashboard¶
Most dashboards follow a similar pattern:
| Section | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Search or selector | Choose the practice, PCN, month, year, or benchmark group. |
| KPI cards | Fast read of the most important figures. |
| Trend charts | Show movement over time. |
| Benchmark cards | Compare against PCN, ICB, region, England, or peer groups. |
| Breakdowns | Explain the composition of a result, for example age band, payment category, appointment mode, or indicator group. |
| Notes | Explain source data, caveats, or methodology. |
Using Calculators¶
Calculator tools are scenario models. They normally ask for a small number of inputs, then calculate funding, reimbursement, or cost estimates.
Good practice:
- check the year or scheme version shown by the calculator;
- keep a note of assumptions used in any scenario;
- treat outputs as planning support, not formal contractual advice;
- check current NHS England or commissioner guidance before making a claim or submitting a financial return.
Using Uploaded Data Tools¶
Some tools, such as the GPAD Analyser, can work with a file that you upload. Use these tools when you want to understand your own local extract rather than a published national dataset.
Before uploading:
- check that the file is the expected format;
- remove anything the tool does not need;
- avoid uploading unnecessary patient-identifiable information;
- read the on-page instructions for that specific upload.
Getting API Access¶
The API is for developers and analysts who want structured data. The schema is public, but most endpoints need an API key.
Start here:
- Schema and Swagger UI:
https://haresign.net/api/docs/ - API guide: Developer API
If Something Looks Wrong¶
When a result surprises you:
- Check the selected practice, PCN, month, or year.
- Compare the numerator and denominator where shown.
- Look for data-quality notes on the page.
- Check whether the source data was revised or recently refreshed.
- Use the contact route on Haresign if you think the tool is behaving incorrectly.