UK health data challenges and opportunities laid bare

A review has found that complexities and inefficiencies within the UK’s health data infrastructure are hindering the effective use of these resources that are critical for improving people’s health.

The research has been led by Cathie Sudlow, chief scientist, deputy director of health data science institute HDR UK and director of the British Heart Foundation Data Science Centre.

In the study, entitled Uniting the UK’s Health Data: A Huge Opportunity for Society, Professor Sudlow outlines how health data can be used for research to improve people’s health by removing unnecessary barriers while protecting patient privacy.