What is patient data? 

Patient data is any information about a person's physical or mental health: In the past, at present or in the future.  

Where does patient data come from?

When you visit your doctor or nurse, they write down things about your health.

Example: If you go to the doctor because you have a cough, the doctor might write, “Azara has a cough and a sore throat.” 

If you go to hospital, the doctors, nurses and other specialists (for example dentists, physiotherapists and psychologists) will also write notes about you. 

Patient data can also come from machines or tests.  

Example: If you have a blood test, the results (like how much iron is in your blood) are health data. If you use a thermometer to check your temperature, that number is health data too. 

Where is patient data kept?

Patient data is saved on computers in hospitals and doctor's offices. Sometimes it's written in your medical notes.  

This video from Understanding Patient Data introduces patient data, how data is used and why, what safeguards are, and how decisions are made.

Why is it important to use patient data?

There is a lot we can do with the information in patient records. This data is very important because it helps doctors and nurses look after you better. It also helps the NHS make health and care services better for everyone.

Using data for direct care  

We use data for direct care so doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals have the right information to help you. This means they can see things like your medical history, test results, allergies, and what medicines you take. With this information, they can: 

  • make sure you get the right treatment and medicines
  • avoid mistakes, like giving you something you're allergic to
  • help you faster, because they don't have to ask you the same questions every time
  • work together as a team, even if you see different people. 

Only people who are looking after you are allowed to see your data, and there are rules to keep your information safe.

More details about direct care solutions.

Example: Using health data to care for you  

Sam feels unwell and goes to see their GP. TheGP looks at Sam's health data, like: Past illnesses, medicines and test results. This helps the GP understand what is wrong. The doctor gives Sam the right treatment. 

Later, Sam goes to hospital. The nurses and doctors can see the same information. 

This means: 

  • Sam does not have to explain everything again 
  • the staff can help Sam quickly 
  • care is joined-up.

Only the people caring for Sam can see this information. The data is used to help Sam get the best care.

Using data to improve health and care services  

We use data to help the NHS and health and care services work better for everyone. By looking at information from lots of people, the NHS can: 

  • find out what's working and what's not: For example, if lots of people are getting better after a certain treatment, doctors know it's a good one to use
  • spot problems early: If data shows more people are getting sick in one area, the NHS can send help or make changes to stop it getting worse
  • plan for the future: By knowing how many people need help, the NHS can make sure there are enough doctors, nurses, and medicines
  • make care safer: If data shows a medicine is causing problems, the NHS can warn doctors and patients
  • help with research: Data helps scientists find new ways to treat or prevent illnesses
  • make things fairer: By looking at data, the NHS can see if some groups of people aren't getting the care they need and try to fix this. 

All this helps the NHS use its money and resources wisely, so everyone gets the best care possible. 

Example: Using health data to improve NHS services 

Lots of people visit their GP because of back pain. Information from these visits is collected. This includes: Symptoms, treatments, test results.

People's names and details are removed. This means no one knows who the data belongs to. The NHS looks at this information and sees that many people are waiting a long time for help. 

Because of this, the NHS can:

  • plan more back‑pain clinics 
  • make sure the right staff are available 
  • help people get treatment sooner.

This helps services work better for everyone. Your data helps improve care now and in the future.

If your data is used to help plan NHS services or for research, your name and details that could identify you are usually removed. This means no one knows it's your data.

Your rights and choices 

There are strict rules and laws to keep your information safe and private. Only people who really need to see your data for their job are allowed to look at it. 

You have the right to know how your data is used, to see your own records, and to ask questions or raise concerns. You can also choose to opt out of your data being used for research and planning if you wish.  

The NHS works hard to keep your data safe and private. If you have questions or worries, you can always ask. 

More information is available on the our legal duty, your rights and choices page.