NHS: Super powered by data

What we heard

The majority of participants, over 84 per cent, would feel comfortable and confident with their data being shared across the system when used to improve health outcomes. A small number of participants told us they had concerns about sharing any personal information data.

There is a clear sense that people want appropriate safeguards and a demonstrable public benefit when their data is shared and used and reassurance that their information will not be sold on to third parties for commercial use. The highest level of concerns were around re-identifying patient data.

The following would support the sharing of data in Kent and Medway:

• Align this piece of work with NHS England work around awareness on secondary uses of data
• Provide reassurance to patients and public about the safeguards used to protect personal data through de-personalisation and access requirements.
• Give information of ways of opting out of having your data used.
• Continue raising awareness around secondary uses of data including how it's used and in what circumstances.
• Share this report on the NHS Kent and Medway website and other appropriate communication channels.
• Continue to uphold the highest standards of data management, in terms of how we store, secure, analyse, manage, and allow internal and external access to data.
• Ensure staff are trained and supported to maintain the highest standards of data protection, reinforced by robust data management processes and governance.
• In line with NHS England we will ensure we have the right technologies in place to protect data and to enable the effective delivery of its services.
• Continue working alongside existing forums to include NHS providers, patient groups, Healthwatch and other partners in Kent and Medway to keep them updated and informed on the use of secondary data.