Collecting GP data – advice for the public

Posted on June 1st, 2021

Please click on the link below to find out all you need to know about the collection of GP data and how you can opt out, so you can make an informed choice.

Collecting GP data – advice for the public

Summary

• Type 1 Opt-Out – this is where the patient does not want their identifiable data to be shared outside of the GP Practice, except for their own direct care.  They need to register a Type 1 opt-out with the Practice which means that their data will not be extracted.  Type 1 opt-out forms can be downloaded from NHS Digital here.
• National Data Opt-Out – this is where patients can choose to stop their confidential patient information being used for research and planning purposes.  The data is extracted from the Practice by NHS Digital, but the national data opt-out prevents it from being shared with research organisations etc. if the patient has registered an opt-out.  NB:  To help the NHS respond to coronavirus, patient information may still be used for coronavirus research purposes even if the patient has chosen not to share it, as the NDO-O has been suspended in this instance.  To register an opt-out with the National Data Opt-Out, which can be done at any time, patients need to go to www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters and register their own preference – the Practice cannot do this for them.