Goldacre recommends Trusted Research Environments become ‘the norm’
- 7 April 2022

A review led by Professor Ben Goldacre into health data has recommended that Trusted Research Environments (TREs) become “the norm” and are usedĀ as a way for researchers to access data and help build trust with the public.
Professor Goldacre, who is a Bennett professor of evidence-based medicine at the University of Oxford, was tasked with leading the review in February 2021 which aimed to look into how health data for research and analysis can be used efficiently and safely.
Recommendations in the review include building a āa small number of secure analytics platforms ” or “shared ‘Trusted Research Environments'” and then make them “the norm for all analysis of NHS patient records data by academics, NHS analysts, and innovatorsā.
TREs, also known as ādata safe havensā are described as a secure space for researchers to access sensitive data and are based on the idea that researchers should access and use data within a single secure environment.
Other recommendations in the Goldacre Review include:
- Improving opportunities for data analysts within the NHS by modernising their job and career development, including improving salaries, training, structure, community and best practice
- Encouraging open working for all NHS data analysis, for instance through the use of a shared library of data analysis tools, reducing duplication and increasing consistency of results
There is also a recommendation about having public conversations about issues such as ācommercial use of NHS data for innovationā as well as building ātrust by taking concrete action on privacy and transparencyā ā adding that ātrust cannot be earned through communications and public engagement aloneā.
Professor Goldacre said: āNHS data is a phenomenal resource that can revolutionise healthcare, research, and the life sciences. But data alone is not enough.
āWe need secure, efficient platforms – and teams with skills – to unleash this potential. This will be difficult, technical work. It is inspiring to see momentum grow for better, broader, safer use of health data across so many sectors.ā
The governmentās response to the review will be included in the upcoming Health and Social Care Data Strategy which will set the direction for the use of data in a post-pandemic healthcare system. A draft version of the strategy was published in June 2021, with the final version expected in Spring 2022.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said:Ā āCountless lives have been saved through the pandemic after health data enabled ground-breaking research.
āAs we move forwards, millions of patients could benefit from the more efficient use of health data, through boosting innovation and ensuring the NHS can continue to offer cutting-edge care, saving lives.
āI want to thank Professor Ben Goldacre, his team, and all those who contributed to this review – this work, alongside our upcoming data strategy, will help to transform the NHS on our road to recovery.ā
2 Comments
āa small number of secure analytics platforms ā or āshared āTrusted Research Environments”
Hmmm chosen few
Trusted research environments to be the norm, Amen to that. The secret of consent? Get consent.
https://www.digitalhealth.net/2018/04/joes-view-dear-mr-zuckerberg/
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