GPs Now Share Patient Data for Science

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has directed GPs to share anonymised patient data with approved research projects, a move anticipated to transform the understanding of disease origins. This initiative specifically benefits major national research programs, including UK Biobank, Genomics England, and Our Future Health. Until now, access to such detailed primary care data was largely restricted, hindering comprehensive scientific study.

Researchers will now be able to examine the coded GP records of participants in these approved studies. This access is considered a game-changer, particularly for UK Biobank, which holds extensive genetic, lifestyle, and environmental data from half a million adults. The integration of GP data will enable deeper investigation into the development of common and debilitating diseases like dementia, diabetes, asthma, and mental health conditions, potentially at much earlier stages.

This new legal directive overcomes previous limitations imposed by UK law and outdated IT systems. Scientists emphasize that primary care data offers critical insights into how diseases begin and progress in the community, complementing existing hospital records. The government assures that data will be shared securely with independent oversight, aiming to spot diseases earlier and accelerate medical discoveries.