An independent review led by Health Data Research UK’s Chief Scientist, Professor Cathie Sudlow, has highlighted the complexities and inefficiencies impeding the use of health data in the UK.

The Sudlow Review – ‘Uniting Health Data in the UK’ – says health data should be seen as ‘critical national infrastructure’ requiring careful leadership and vital investment.

Professor Sudlow was commissioned to lead an independent review of the UK health data landscape, looking at the country’s ability to use data to improve healthcare.

She said: “We are simply not maximising the benefits to society from the rich abundance of health data in the UK. Far too often research about health conditions affecting millions of people across the UK is prevented or delayed by the complexity of our data systems. We are letting patients and their families down as a result.”

Her final report includes five recommendations that highlight the need to remove barriers, streamline processes, and enable safe and secure data use across the UK:

1. a coordinated joint strategy to recognise England’s health data as a critical national infrastructure
2. the establishment of a national health data service with accountable senior leadership
3. ongoing, coordinated, engagement with patients, public, health professionals, policymakers and politicians
4. a UK-wide approach to streamline data access processes and foster proportionate, trustworthy data governance
5. a UK-wide system for standards and accreditation of secure data environments (SDEs) holding data from the health and care system.

Panel members at the launch emphasised the importance of patient and public involvement in being able to realise the benefits of health data.

The full report can be found on the HDR UK website. You can also watch a recording of the launch event, which was held at the Royal Society.