Using data to improve your health and care

The way General Practice (GP) data is used across the local NHS is changing. There are several important reasons for this, which are explained below. You can also view the following video which provides a short description of this work.

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (the local Integrated Care Board and commissioner for health services in the county) is working with GP practices to ensure that high-quality services are delivered where they are needed most across our population. You can visit the NHS STW website here.

To support this, data analysts at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have been working closely with local GP practices, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and clinical leaders to make the best possible use of data to improve care for our patients and residents. This approach is called Population Health Management (PHM).

Alongside NHS STW, we are committed to being open, transparent, legal and safe about how data is used, the benefits this brings, and the choices available if you do not wish for your data to be used in this way. 

The following provides more information about this approach, along with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. We hope you find this information helpful. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Why are we now using data from GP practices? 

The NHS in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is changing the way it uses data to better understand the health needs of our local population.  

This helps to plan and improve health and care services, reduce health inequalities, and support people to stay well for longer.            

This work is part of an approach called Population Health Management (PHM) which helps the NHS to: 

• Identify health risks earlier and prevent illness 

• Improve access to services 

• Reduce unfair differences in health outcomes for people 

• Target support where it is needed most 

• Plan services closer to people’s home (national neighbourhood programme) 

• Make better use of NHS resources. 

What GP data is used in Population Health Management? 

Only ‘coded’ GP data is used, which means: 

• No notes from any consultation (with a healthcare professional) are available, as well as any free-text entries within these consultation notes 

• Coded data is used to understand patterns and trends across the population, not to look at an individual  

• Data is always handled securely, sensitively and lawfully 

For further information, you can view this video from the Kings Fund.

How is data protected? 

Protecting your information is taken very seriously and follows strict NHS information governance standards and data protection law. 

• Data is processed securely by NHS-approved systems 

• Access is limited to authorised NHS analysts working for the Integrated Care Board (also known as the ICB or NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) 

• Data is pseudonymised, meaning names and direct identifiers are removed and not accessed by any persons outside of the GP practice 

• Data is never sold, shared or used for marketing purposes  

• National Data Opt-Outs are fully respected, and you can opt-out at any time. To find out more visit: www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters. 

Who can see this data? 

Only a small number of trained NHS analysts can access pseudonymised data for strategic planning purposes. Doctors, nurses, and NHS staff do not see new information, and it does not change the care you receive from your GP.

Do I have a choice – can I opt-out? 

Yes. You can choose whether your data is used for purposes beyond your direct care. If you decide to opt out, your choice will be fully respected. 

For more information please visit: www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters.