Using GP data to improve health and care in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
The way General Practice (GP) data is used across the local NHS is changing. We will now be using GP data with Population Health Management approach to improve our work.
There are several important reasons for this, which are explained below. You can also view this short video which provides a brief description of this work.
As the strategic commissioner for health services in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the Integrated Care Board’s role (also known as NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) is to ensure that high-quality services are delivered where they are needed most across our population.
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.
NHS STW is 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 page provides more information about this approach, known as Population Health Management, along with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
We will continue to share updates and examples that demonstrate how this work helps to improve health and care across our communities. Plus, you can also view our latest press release on the GP data flow in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin approach, here.
We hope you find this information helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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 us to plan and improve health and care services, reduce health inequalities, and support people to stay well for longer.
This work is part of a Population Health Management (PHM) approach 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.
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.
We take protecting your information very seriously and follow 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.
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.
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 respected.
For more information please visit: www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters.
