An animated video has been developed by NHS England and the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) to further raise public awareness of how patient data will be collected and used by the NHS.
The video ‘Better Information Means Better Care' accompanies a leaflet of the same name that is currently being delivered to every household in England.
These materials are to help raise awareness of the way that patient data will be used and the choices available to patients. The NHS was previously using information from health records for purposes other than providing direct care, for example to support research and to help plan new health services.
The animation presents a simple way for GPs and other NHS staff to explain to patients why this information will be made available and how it will provide a rounded picture of the quality of care across the NHS.
Dr Geraint Lewis, Chief Data Officer at NHS England, said there was a range of resources to help general practice staff inform patients about how their data will be used. ‘NHS England is supporting GP practices in making patients aware of how their information is used to help improve care for all. This month, we are sending a leaflet to every household in England to help raise awareness and to explain to patients the choices that are available to them. It is important that we communicate this message in a range of different formats, so as well as the leaflet, we are using posters in GP practices, radio and TV interviews, press articles, and this new animation,' he said.
The Care.data database will be an anonymised medical database, which will include details of every NHS patient unless they choose to opt out. It is thought that it will be ready by the summer.
To view the video visit: http://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/tsd/care-data/