UK must maximise benefits to society from “rich” health data, says independent review

Access to the UK’s rich and vast banks of health data should be streamlined and simplified, to capitalise on the unique opportunity it offers to boost biomedical research and improve lives, a major review has recommended.

The independent review led by neurologist Cathie Sudlow was commissioned by England’s chief medical officer to examine how to overcome barriers and inefficiencies in the secure use of health data across the four UK nations, with a focus on England.1

The UK has one of the world’s largest and deepest health databases that stretches back decades. The report points out that, besides being used for patient care, the data are also used to support the delivery of equitable health and care, as well as research and innovation.

Data relevant to health also come from sources beyond the NHS. The …