30.05.13
Anonymised patient data to link GPs to hospitals
GP practices will receive guidance to improve their use of anonymised patient information.
The GP Technical Specification, published by NHS England, explains the process of how data will be collected, anonymised and used to improve patient care.
Developed in partnership with the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of GPs, it will link information from GPs with hospitals and community health care services.
The guidance will be made available to NHS organisations in anonymised form and help evaluate and improve the quality and safety of care, by supporting clinical commissioners to plan services.
Implementation will start with a small number of practices and be rolled out.
Tim Kelsey, National Director for Patients and Information for NHS England said: “We are committed to putting patients first in every decision the NHS makes. Giving patients more information about their treatment and care can make a huge difference to improving health and keeping people well for longer.
“I am extremely excited about the potential of care.data, of which the GP Technical Specification is the first part, to increase transparency within the health service and encourage greater participation by citizens
“The care.data service will create an environment where data can flow more securely and effectively, and where the impact and outcomes of treatment and care are much better understood. By providing high quality data we can help ensure that everybody can make the right decisions at the right time.”
Dr Clare Gerada, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “Use of data has significant potential for improving patient care so we are pleased to be working with the BMA and NHS England on this important initiative to equip patients, clinicians and commissioners with accurate and timely information about the treatment and care provided by the NHS.
“As we streamline and improve the way data is used in the NHS, it is vital that we continue to safeguard patient confidentiality – the cornerstone of the GP patient relationship – and that patients’ wishes remain paramount, whether or not they choose to allow their data to be used for the benefit of future healthcare.”
Dr Laurence Buckman, chair of the BMA GPs’ committee, said: “The BMA is pleased to have jointly produced this guidance, which will help to ensure that practices understand these changes. It is important that commissioners have access to data to design services provided that this does not impact upon confidentiality.
“The most important point is that patients will be able to object to confidential data from their GP records being used for care.data and other secondary uses. GP practices will play an important role in making sure patients are aware of how their data is used, and addressing their concerns.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us [email protected]