Your health records contain a type of data called confidential patient
information. This data can be used to help with research and planning.
You can choose to stop your confidential patient information being used for
research and planning. You can also make a choice for someone else like your
children under the age of 13.
Your choice will only apply to the health and care system in England. This does
not apply to health or care services accessed in Scotland, Wales or Northern
Ireland.
WHAT IS CONFIDENTIAL PATIENT INFORMATION
Confidential patient information is when 2 types of information from your
health records are joined together.
The 2 types of information are:
something that can identify you
something about your health care or treatment
For example, your name joined with what medicine you take.
Identifiable information on its own is used by health and care services to
contact patients and this is not confidential patient information.
HOW WE USE YOU CONFIDENTIAL PATIENT INFORMATION:
Your individual care
Health and care staff may use your confidential patient information to help with
your treatment and care. For example, when you visit your GP they may look at
your records for important information about your health.
Research and planning
Confidential patient information might also be used to:
plan and improve health and care services
research and develop cures for serious illnesses
You can stop your confidential patient information being used for research and
planning. Find out how to make your choice.
If you’re happy with your confidential patient information being used for
research and planning you do not need to do anything. Any choice you make
will not impact your individual care.