Governance is built into the design of the SDE from the outset. It is not an afterthought or a separate process - it is fundamental to how we protect data and enable its safe and responsible use for research Ben Glampson iCARE Associate Director

Why we use health data

 

Health data helps us carry out research that can improve healthcare. By looking at patterns, trends and outcomes across large groups of people, researchers can better understand health and disease, evaluate treatments and services, and identify opportunities to improve care.

We recognise that health information is sensitive and must be handled with care. That is why access to data held in the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Secure Data Environment (SDE) is carefully controlled, with robust governance processes ensuring that data is used only for approved research that provides public benefit.

What data we use

We use health and care information to support approved research and evaluation. Depending on the project, this may include information such as diagnoses, treatments, medications, hospital visits, test results and outcomes.

Information that directly identifies you, such as your name or NHS number, is removed or replaced with a unique code before the researchers access the data.  This process is known as pseudonymisation and is a way for  

How we protect your information: The Five Safes

The Five Safes is an established framework developed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to support the safe and responsible use of sensitive data for research.

iCARE uses the Five Safes to ensure the data is kept secured. 

Safe People
Only trained and appropriately authorised researchers can access the data.

Safe Projects
Only approved projects with clear purposes, appropriate governance and public benefit can use the data.

Safe Settings
Researchers access the data in the NHS platform (the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Secure Data Environment) meaning it does not leave the NHS. All access to the data is audited and controlled within the NHS.

Safe Data
Researchers access only the data they need, with identifiable information removed or pseudonymised wherever possible.

Safe Outputs
All outputs undergo disclosure control and review before they can leave the secure environment.

Questions or concerns? 

Feel free to email our team: imperial.dcs@nhs.net

Contact us

For general enquiries email: imperial.dcs@nhs.net

For data access enquiries email: imperial.dataaccessrequest@nhs.net

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