HSCIC clears data request backlog

The Health and Social Care Information Centre says it is on track to clear a backlog of data access requests by the end of the month.

The HSCIC says it is also making progress in moving organisations onto new data sharing contracts with stricter controls, with 30% of existing customers having signed new agreements ahead of the February 28 target.

In July, HSCIC chief executive Andy Williams said the organisation was dealing with a backlog of over 600 data requests, as well around 70 new requests each month.

In a report for this week’s HSCIC board meeting, programme manager Simon Croker said “progress has continued on target” to eliminate the backlog by the end of January.

In the last two months, Croker said the total number of outstanding data requests has gone down from 355 to 210, with the “actual backlog” – requests received before August 1 last year – has been reduced from 181 to 46.

There are likely to be some cases where the HSCIC is waiting on the customer to respond, but he said the applications team will continue to “actively engage” customers by email and phone to check on their progress.

To improve the application process, Croker said a triage function has been established by the Data Access Information Service and data applications team to review applications as they are received, highlighting any issues for early feedback to customers.

“This function will also be responsible for categorising applications and assigning the appropriate service level to them, enabling customers to better understand when they can expect their request to be fulfilled. “

Planning has started for a pilot of a web form to enable organisations to complete their data application online, with a review also underway on how to establish an online login and progress tracker service.

Croker said the HSCIC sent out new data sharing agreements to all customers last October with a January 31 deadline for responses.

Follow up emails were sent in December and January, with around 30% having returned their contracts at the time of the report.