How the NHS Federated Data Platform work?
The NHS Federated Data Platform (NHS FDP) is a series of separate data platforms, that we call ‘instances’. Every hospital trust and integrated care board (ICB) (on behalf of the ICS) will have their own instance of the NHS FDP – for which they are the data controller. NHS England is responsible for the national instance.
Each NHS organisation with an instance will have the ability to connect and share information between them and in relation to any personal information, where data protection law allows it. For example, to discharge a patient from hospital into a care setting.
The national NHS England instance serves as a replacement for multiple legacy systems, and delivering accurate, near-real-time data to inform strategic and operational planning.
If data is shared nationally for planning, then separate privacy enhancing technology is used to remove personable identifiable information such as a patient’s name and NHS number.
Local trust instance
Each trust can have their own instance of the NHS FDP for which they are the data controller and can opt into any of the core starter products.
Trusts can connect and share information currently stored in separate systems to support staff to access the information they need in one safe and secure environment.
Trusts and ICB’s will be able to share data with one another provided data protection law permits it, data sharing agreements are in place and the privacy information is available to patients.
Local ICB instance
Each ICB can have their own instance of the NHS FDP for which they are the data controller and can opt into any of the nationally developed products.
Trusts and ICB’s will be able to share data with one another provided data protection law permits it, data sharing agreements are in place and the privacy information is available to patients.
The NHS FDP will improve connectivity, enabling systems to make more effective, data-driven decisions.
National NHS England instance
A national NHS England instance replaces multiple legacy systems and provides accurate, near-real-time data for strategic and operational planning.
If data is shared nationally for planning, then separate privacy enhancing technology is used to remove personable identifiable information such as a patient’s name and NHS number.
Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET)
Privacy Enhancing Technology, which is a rather broad term for technologies that embody fundamental protection principles.
In the case of NHS FDP, PET is a platform provided by a third-party supplier called IQVIA. PET allows data controllers to easily understand and audit all data flows into NHS FDP and define any treatment policies that need to be applied to data.
The national and local ICS/trust instances work alongside PET to:
- register data flows – PET creates records of the types and uses of data which are used in every instance of NHS FDP
- treat personal data – PET can also be used to de-identify personal data. This involves processing Personal Data. PET will only process personal data when it is legal to do so
Canonical Data Model
The Canonical Data Model (CDM) provides a unified and standardised way to understand and use data across the entirety of the NHS FDP. It ensures that data is consistent, high-quality, and easily understandable, whether you’re a data analyst or a healthcare professional.
The CDM is a digital representation of the NHS ecosystem, encompassing not only data and assets but also the dynamic connections, interdependencies and relationships between them. It enables a unified, secure, and collaborative environment for creating applications that promote enterprise-wide decision-making, support healthcare professionals in taking informed actions, and ultimately result in improved patient outcomes and efficient use of resources.
When new applications or services are introduced into the NHS FDP, they tap into the CDM, reducing the need for complex data conversions and boosting efficiency. In essence, the CDM is the single, reliable ‘source of truth’ that all applications use, reflecting what’s happening in real-time on the frontline of the NHS. So, whether it’s integrating a new application or comparing data across different NHS organisations, the CDM makes it simpler, faster, and more accurate. It’s the bedrock that allows the NHS FDP to adapt and grow to meet the evolving needs of the health and care system in England.