Evaluating The Relationship and Status of Data within the Digital NHS

A key NHS Digital goal for 2015-2020 is to improve use of healthcare information, helping professionals make better and safer decisions. Simultaneously, advocates for co-production in integrated healthcare argue that non-professional knowledge and local communities need to be enfolded into information systems (Nies 2014). Yet currently, NHS Digital’s aim of giving patients the authority to add to their own records by 2018 seems unlikely to become a reality. Many digital systems implemented within the NHS are vertical; existing in silos within organisations; prioritising the capture of data at the point of care and excluding data collected by individuals. There is a focus on patients that excludes healthy citizens, leading to concerns about ‘data shadows’ (Deeny and Steventon 2015). Through the use of self-monitoring health and medical apps, individuals are able to generate new ways of knowing their bodies, yet this data is predominantly separate from ‘medically generated’ knowledge. Whilst Big Data movements have done much to make data available, democratisation and attempts to make data meaningful and useful in public health and clinical practices are only now emerging.

This PhD project will consider the changes in accountability and responsibility the emergence of digital health engenders and what this might mean for health practices. It considers current and potential uses of patient-generated data and opportunities and barriers to the democratisation of health information. The project will answer the following questions:

- How is health data viewed, used and democratised in the Digital NHS?
- What processes of knowledge production and evaluation emerge through digital health, in particular what is included, filtered and excluded?
- How is decision making and patient safety affected by data production and availability?
- How might digital health affect the future of medical practices, knowledge and engagement?

Working in collaboration with the Chief Clinical Information Officer at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust it is envisaged the student will employ a mixed method approach, including (but not limited to) observations of information flows and forms in a care setting; interviews with staff, patients and key stakeholders; and analysis of system generated data to explore accuracy, utility and absence/presence of information.

This project would suit excellent candidates with a background in social science, health practice or a related discipline. Experience of both qualitative and quantitative methods is desirable, but additional research training will be available as part of the PhD programme. Some knowledge of science and technology studies, health informatics or human-computer interaction would be desirable but not essential.

Informal enquires about the project should be made directly to Dr Lisa Wood. Applications are made by completing an application for PhD Medicine October 2017 through our online application system. Closing date, midnight 3rd April 2017.