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GP Data for Planning and Research suspended until tests met

On 19 July NHS Digital announced it is setting three tests for the data collection associated with the GP Data for Planning and Research project (GPDfPR).These tests are:

• The ability for patients to opt-out or -in to sharing their GP-held data with NHS Digital, with data being deleted even if it has been uploaded, and outstanding opt-outs being processed.
• Making a Trusted Research Environment (TRE) available where approved researchers can work securely on de-identified patient data which does not leave the environment, offering further protections and privacy while enabling collaboration amongst trusted researchers to further benefit patients.
• Increased public awareness of the programme, resulting from a campaign of engagement and communication explaining how data is used, and outlining patient choices.

The first data collection had been pushed back to the start of September but is now suspended until the three tests have been met. NHS Digital’s statement also made further commitments to only rolling-out the programme once the BMA and RCGP, and other interested organisations are satisfied.

• NHS Digital statement
• BMA statement
• RCGP statement
• National Data Guardian statement

Last updated : 21 Jul 2021

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