THIN 2018 (The Health Improvement Network)
Research type
Research Database
IRAS ID
244140
Contact name
Steve Bradley
Contact email
Research summary
The Health Improvement Network
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0108
Date of REC Opinion
11 Feb 2019
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion
Data collection arrangements
The THIN database will collect data automatically from general practice electronic health records. This includes information about people's health such as their diseases, test results and medication, but not their name, address or other information that could directly identify them. Text in the patient record will be analysed using computer programs to remove identifying information and extract information that is useful for research.
Patients who do not wish for their data to be used for research will have the opportunity to opt out. Data will be stored securely, and will only be available to researchers carrying out approved medical research.
Research programme
This database is a partnership between The Health Improvement Network and University College London (UCL). Database operations will be advised by an academic advisory committee led by UCL researchers which will include doctors and members of the public. The committee will ensure that the database is managed in a way that maximises benefit to patients and the public, while protecting patient privacy. Another committee, the scientific review committee, will review proposals for research using the database to ensure that they are appropriate. The database will be used for a range of research projects which aim to understand more about disease risks and causes, improve diagnosis, develop new treatments, prevent disease, plan NHS services, improve patient safety and evaluate government and NHS policy.
Research database title
The Health Improvement Network
Establishment organisation
The Health Improvement Network
Establishment organisation address
The Health Improvement Network
The Bread Factory, 1A Broughton Street
Battersea, London
SW8 3QJ