CTAD is a new universal disaggregate dataset, for the reporting of chlamydia testing data from all NHS and NHS commissioned laboratories in England. Its purpose is to enable collection of robust data from laboratories on all chlamydia testing carried out in England, in order to effectively monitor the impact of the NCSP through estimation of population screening coverage, positivity and diagnostic rates. The new dataset will enable unified, comprehensive reporting of all chlamydia testing and diagnosis data, and will eliminate the need to combine data from disparate sources. This will simplify and streamline information flow and improve data completeness and quality.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is responsible for CTAD implementation, and will collate CTAD data for use by local programmes. CTAD is being implemented within the context of the ongoing integration of the NCSP into mainstream sexual health service provision. It will eliminate a significant administrative burden relating to the collection and submission of the NCSP and the non-GUM non-NCSP datasets, and thus contribute to increased cost-effectiveness of the programme.

CTAD will replace the NCSP core data return and the non-NCSP non-GUM aggregate data return after a period of overlap. The first CTAD submission date is 14 May 2012, for Q1 data, with retrospective collection of data from January 2010.

For further information and documentation on CTAD, including the Standard Specification of the data extract, the ISB Application, Pilot Reports and a Frequently Asked Questions document please click here.

For any further queries, please contact Dr Catherine Lowndes (Consultant Scientist, Epidemiology: 0208 327 7413), Katy Town (CTAD Administrator; 0208 327 7493) or email ctad@hpa.org.uk.

CTAD Commissioner Resource Pack Feb 2012
File Size: 351 kb

CTAD Briefing Document and FAQs version 1.3 Feb 1012
File Size: 170 kb

CTAD Commissioner Resource Pack Feb 2012
File Size: 619 kb

CTAD Briefing Document and FAQs version 1.3 Feb 1012
File Size: 181 kb

Information Management Overview

"In response to feedback and comments made in recent CTAD workshops, some laboratories requested a tool be developed to enable easier re-formatting of data in order to submit an extract coded and formatted according to the CTAD standard specification.

The CTAD_Reformat Microsoft Excel® Macro (XLS, 288 KB) has been created with the aim of achieving this. Download and save the file to start. See User Guide (PDF, 545 KB) for further instructions"

CTAD Reformat Excel Macro
File Size: 288 kb

CTAD Reformat Macro User Guide
File Size: 545 kb

There are currently three datasets managed by the NCSP:

1. NCSP Core dataset (began in April 2003) - collects information on individual test records including testing, diagnosis, demographic and behavioural data;


2. Non-NCSP non-GUM dataset (began in April 2008) – collects aggregate data for chlamydia tests done outside of Genitourinary Medicine Clinics not reported through the programme;


3. Patient and Partner Notification and Management (PN) dataset (began in April 2003) – collects aggregate summary data of positive index patients and partner follow up.

Local variability exists in the collection and processing of data within the NCSP. However, all areas need to report the three standardised sets of data to the NCSP.

In addition to these routine data submissions, local programme areas also report data to the NCSP central office via other mechanisms e.g. the annual Quality Assurance Survey.

Further information on data collection and reporting in the NCSP can be found in the Data section in the NCSP Core Requirements document, pages 33-36, and the Accompanying Information document, pages 18-26.

The NCSP does not collect information on chlamydia testing done in Genitourinary Medicine Clinics. These data are reported via the Genitourinary Medicine Clinics Testing Activity Dataset (GUMCAD) to the GUMCAD team at the Health Protection Agency. The NCSP team liaises with the GUMCAD team and are planning on developing reports to illustrate comprehensive chlamydia testing and diagnosis in England.

Briefing for NHS: Proposed Public Health outcome for chlamydia control
Fie Size: 633 KB

All three datasets managed by the NCSP are reported to the NCSP Information Management team on a quarterly basis. The reporting deadlines for the forthcoming financial year are as follows:

Quarter 1 (April - June 2011) data and Q4 (Jan - March 2011) PN data - data due 18th of July 2011

Quarter 2 (July - Sept 2011) data and Q1 (April - June 2011) PN data - data due 17th of October 2011

Quarter 3 (Oct - Dec 2011) data and Q2 (July - Sept 2011) PN data - data due 16th of January 2011

Quarter 4 (Jan - March 2012) data and Q3 (Oct - Dec 2010) PN data - data due 1st May 2012

The NCSP database used to run as a Windows based application in the HPA. A need arose for enhancements to the system which included the creation of a new web based system.

The web application was developed and launched in 2008 and provides the following core functionality:

Security – authentication of authorized users who are responsible for submitting data locally

User account management

Automatic generation of clinic codes for sites registered with the programme

Search, view and submit functions for Core data and Patient and Partner Notification and Management data

Reporting services (currently under construction) which would let users produce a variety of detailed real time reports / data presentations based on their region/s data.

Further details about the web-based application and its use can be found in the web application user manual. Please note access to the web-based application is restricted to users involved in data reporting at local level. If you require access please send your request to the NCSP information management team on ncspdata@hpa.org.uk.

Download the web-based application user manual
File Size: 1.2 Mb

There are currently several outputs produced by the NCSP - these include:

Chlamydia Vital Signs Indicator (VSI) tables, which provide a summary of chlamydia testing coverage and positivity by Local Authority (LA), Primary Care Trust (PCT), and Strategic Health Authority (SHA).

SHA presentations, which provide graphical summaries of information relating to chlamydia testing. These presentations are SHA specific and include figures illustrating age and gender differences in testing coverage, positivity, engagement of various services as well as patient and partner notification and management.

PCT detailed tables, which present a tabular breakdown of the number of chlamydia tests by PCT, sex, age group, venue type, and ethnic group.

PCT scorecard, which is a tool to enable PCTs to quickly review their performance based on a variety of indicators. The tool will allow for comparison between PCTS and SHAs.

PCT profiles, which is a summary of select demographic variables for all PCTs and groups PCTs according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) super group classification. The aim of this tool is to help PCTs identify trusts with similar demographic profiles with the view to sharing screening methods and techniques so that they can learn from each other.

Data sharing policy
File Size: 105 KB

Data request form
File Size: 43 KB

Core data quality questionnaire
File Size: 51 KB

Non-NCSP non-GUM documentation:

• Chlamydia VSI - Alan Hall Gateway
  ref 9952
  File Size: 64 KB

  Chlamydia VSI - Guidance Gateway ref 9952
  File Size: 192 KB

  Template for non-NCSP non-GUM data
  File Size: 175 KB

  Chlamydia VSI - Frequently Asked Questions
  File Size: 26 KB

Patient and Partner Notification form
File Size: 86 KB

Web-based application user manual
File Size: 1.2 MB