What's Happening?
Healthcare Episode Statistics (HES) data in the UK is a vital resource for managing health services and driving clinical research. It offers detailed information on hospital admissions, outpatient appointments,
and emergency department visits. HES data has been instrumental in identifying care deficiencies, such as high mortality rates at certain NHS trusts. It serves as a powerful tool for life sciences and medical technology companies, providing real-world evidence that can enhance healthcare technologies. Accessing HES data requires compliance with NHS England's legal and ethical standards, ensuring responsible use of this valuable information.
Why It's Important?
HES data is significant for the healthcare industry as it provides insights into the performance and outcomes of health services. By offering real-world evidence, it aids in the development of innovative healthcare solutions and improves patient care. Pharmaceutical companies, in particular, benefit from combining HES data with other datasets to understand treatment landscapes and identify areas for improvement. The responsible use of HES data can lead to better healthcare policies and practices, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and addressing health inequalities.
What's Next?
The future of HES data access is uncertain due to recent changes in the UK Government's healthcare structure. The abolition of NHS England and integration into the Department of Health and Social Care may impact data access processes. Additionally, plans to combine primary and secondary care data have faced challenges, delaying a national-level solution. Despite these hurdles, efforts continue to leverage HES data for healthcare advancements, with companies exploring alternative methods to gain insights into health conditions and interventions.
