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New review launched into use of health data for research and analysis

A new review into the safe use of health data for research and analysis has been launched by the Government.

The review will support the development of a new Data Strategy for Health and Social Care, that was announced in November 2020.

Following a report ‘Busting bureaucracy: empowering frontline staff by reducing excess bureaucracy in the health and care system’ in November, it stated eight priority areas to continue and lock-in positive change seen during the past year. NHSX is to launch and implement the strategy announced by Matt Hancock, and use the new review into health data to support its development.

The review will look into how data is made available and facilitated for researchers, commissioners and innovators. It will focus on ensuring patient privacy and the types of software platforms used and approved for use.

It will look into examples of successful approaches and uses of data, and the potential challenges and barriers that might need to be overcome.

Dr Ben Goldacre, a physician, academic, and science writer has been asked to lead the review and present the findings in April.

Dr Goldacre, Director of the DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, said: “The UK has a phenomenal resource in its raw data, and its people. Our challenge is now in the final lap: we need to find safe, secure, collaborative and efficient ways to turn that raw data into insights and action, to improve patient care for all. There is a wealth of expertise around the country, much of it untapped.

“I’m excited to talk to people across health, social care and research about their experiences and concerns to help drive better, broader, safe use of health data.”

The review will also explore how to avoid monopolies with access to data, ensure sharing is transparent, and how privacy can be proved. It will also explore potential issues of data quality and what must be done to improve in this area over the next three years.

If you would like to support the initiative or share your experiences, contact goldacrereview@dhsc.gov.uk.