Transforming the way data is used for better health and care

The NHS is developing their data processing services to transform how data is collected, processed and used for improved health and care outcomes

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on NHS Digital

The NHS is implementing modern technologies and processes to collect and process the data needed to run the health service. New technologies and processes mean that data will be collected and processed in a smarter and more efficient way. These data processing services will improve patient care by empowering the health and care system to use information more effectively for:

• research into the prevention and treatment of diseases; 
• planning services essential to the sustainability of the NHS.

The new technologies and processes will support future innovation and improvements in the following ways.

• Faster data processing: managing larger volumes of incoming data to ensure it’s accurate, useful and secure – and processing it faster than ever before.
• Secure cloud technology: this will move the information collected to secure cloud technology to reduce the potential security risks associated with storing data across separate systems.
• Better data quality: by standardising and automating the way patient data is matched with their records, more complete and stable data will be delivered.
• Protected patient data: using privacy technology to develop a de-identification process will ensure that patient privacy can be protected. Identifiable information will be removed from a patient’s record so it can be safely used for research and planning. 
• Better data-linkage: data-linkage maximises the value of data collected across health and care.
• Improved data access: secure data access environments will provide access to high quality data for those with the right legal basis. 

How data processing services will be delivered 

The data processing services programme is being delivered by NHS Digital, as part of the Digital Transformation Portfolio for Health and Care, which is governed by the Digital Delivery Board. The programme is being delivered in partnership with NHS system partners and Health Data Research UK.