The Health Service Modelling Associates (HSMA) Programme is being celebrated in a newly published article in the Spring 2026 issue of Impact Magazine.
Written by Dr Daniel Chalk and Sammi Rosser, the piece highlights how HSMA has been building data science and operational research capability across health and social care since its launch in 2016 and, crucially, how that learning is being translated into real-world impact.
The HSMA Programme offers a distinctive model of training. Participants are supported not only to learn new skills such as Python programming, simulation modelling and machine learning, but also to apply them to challenges within their own organisations with ongoing mentoring, peer support and access to a national community.
This approach is helping to address a common gap in professional development: moving from learning to implementation.
Real world impact across the NHS
As highlighted in the Impact Magazine article, HSMA projects have already contributed to meaningful improvements across the health and care system. These include:
- Informing the development of new mental health inpatient capacity, enabling more patients to be treated closer to home
- Designing more efficient and safer COVID-19 vaccination clinics
- Improving urgent and emergency care performance through better modelling of patient flow
- Developing forecasting and planning tools now used routinely in NHS settings
Since its pilot in 2016, the programme has supported nearly 500 associates from over 100 organisations, spanning acute trusts, primary care, local authorities, charities and national bodies. Demand continues to grow as more organisations recognise the value of embedding analytical skills within their teams.
A programme built on openness and collaboration
A key feature of HSMA is its commitment to accessibility. The programme is delivered using free and open source tools and is offered free of charge to participants working in health and social care in England. Associates also benefit from lifetime access to a supportive community of peers and experts, helping to sustain and grow impact beyond the formal training period.
Alongside the core programme, HSMA continues to evolve, expanding its learning resources and exploring new ways to support leaders, increase inclusivity, and strengthen the connection between analytical work and patient outcomes.
The Impact Magazine feature provides a deeper look at the HSMA Programme, including detailed case studies and insights from those involved.