The value of NHS data could be as much as £9.6 billion ($12 billion) annually, according to Ernst and Young. The NHS's comprehensive national coverage, longitudinal data collection, and standardized patient records make it a valuable resource for AI development. However, the increasing reliance on third-party software means patients often have no choice but to share their data with private companies. Critics argue that this could lead to data misuse and breaches, and call for greater transparency and control over how patient data is used.
Key takeaways:
- Patients in the U.K. are increasingly having to share their personal data with private companies in order to get a doctor's appointment, due to the use of third-party software to manage appointments and prioritize cases.
- The NHS has struck controversial data-sharing deals with companies such as Google's DeepMind and Microsoft, and many clinics are using private companies to manage primary care appointments.
- There is concern about the potential misuse of this data, with a recent investigation revealing that sensitive health information donated for medical research was shared with insurance companies.
- The shift towards digitization and the use of third-party software has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is concern about the implications for patient privacy and data security.