General practice data for planning and research (GPDfPR)
NHS Digital has been collecting data from GPs through its trusted General Practice Extraction Service.
This system is now being replaced with their new General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR) service, a broader general-purpose collection which will enable faster access to pseudonymised patient data for planners and researchers.
The NHS needs data about the patients it treats in order to plan and deliver its services and to ensure that care and treatment provided is safe and effective. The General Practice Data for Planning and Research data collection will help the NHS to improve health and care services for everyone by collecting patient data that can be used to do this.
GP practices already share patient data for these purposes, but this new data collection will be more efficient and effective.
This means that GPs can get on with looking after their patients, and NHS Digital can provide controlled access to patient data to the NHS and other organisations who need to use it, to improve health and care for everyone.
Opting out of NHS Digital collecting your data ('Type 1 opt-out')
If you do not want your identifiable patient data to be shared outside of your GP practice for purposes except for your own care, you can register an opt-out with your GP practice. This is known as a Type 1 opt-out.
Type 1 opt-outs were introduced in 2013 for data sharing from GP practices, but may be discontinued in the future as a new opt-out has since been introduced to cover the broader health and care system, called the National Data Opt-out. If this happens people who have registered a Type 1 Opt-out will be informed.
NHS Digital will not collect any patient data for patients who have already registered a Type 1 opt-out in line with current policy. If this changes patients who have registered a Type 1 opt-out will be informed.
How to register a Type 1 opt-out
To register a Type 1 opt-out you need to do the following.
- Download the Type 1 opt-out form from the NHS website
- Complete the form and return it to your GP practice - you can do this by post or email, or leave it in person.
You can also contact us for a form to be sent out to you.
You can register a Type 1 opt-out at any time. You can also change your mind at any time and withdraw a Type 1 opt-out. If you have already registered a Type 1 opt-out with your GP practice your data will not be shared with NHS Digital.
If you have previously registered a Type 1 opt-out and you would like to withdraw this, you can also use the form to do this.