Your health records contain a type of data called Confidential patient information. This data can be used to help with research and planning.
What is confidential patient information
Confidential patient information is when 2 types of information from your health records are joined together.
The 2 types of information are:
- something that can identify you
- something about your health care or treatment
For example, your name joined with what medicine you take.
Identifiable information on its own is used by health and care services to contact patients and this is not confidential patient information.
How they use your confidential patient information
Research and planning
Confidential patient information might also be used to:
- plan and improve health and care services
- research and develop cures for serious illnesses
The NHS collects confidential patient information from:
- all NHS organisations, trusts and local authorities (including GP surgeries)
- private organisations, such as private hospitals providing NHS funded care
Research bodies and organisations can request access to this information. This includes:
- university researchers
- hospital researchers
- medical royal colleges
- pharmaceutical companies researching new treatments
Who cannot use confidential patient information
Access to confidential patient information will not be given for:
- marketing purposes
- insurance purposes
(unless you request this)
Your choice
You can stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning. Find out how to make your choice.
If you’re happy with your confidential patient information being used for research and planning you do not need to do anything.
Any choice you make will not impact your individual care.
Click these links for more information: