1. Anonymised data: pros and cons Tim Kelsey Executive Director, Transparency and Open Data, Cabinet Office UNCLASSIFIED

2. Pros Anonymised data – at episode level - has been available for secondary uses analysis in the NHS for a decade This has enabled benchmarking analysis of clinical outcomes and measurable improvements in productivity and quality Without analysis of episode level data, fair standardisation of performance is rarely possible Operational use of data as management information improves quality of data UNCLASSIFIED

3. Cons Risk to personal privacy? Academic theory of ‘jigsaw’ re-identification Expensive/ untested? Modern approaches to anonymisation and pseudonymisation are well established and relatively inexpensive Perverse incentive for professional behaviour (mis-coding; case selection)? Interpretation and publication of analysis Legislative (and statutory) context UNCLASSIFIED

4. Considerations Create obligation on analysts not to re-identify through contractual terms and conditions Privacy impact assessment to determine risk of identification pre-publication Small steps... but real steps UNCLASSIFIED