Data Strategy for Health and Social Care

Scotland’s first data strategy for health and social care has been published.

Read the Data Strategy Executive Summary here and the easy read version here.

The result of extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultation, the Data Strategy sets out the key elements for delivery in ensuring that data is managed and used consistently and securely, and supporting improved outcomes and the development of new treatments and methods of support.

Read the summary of responses to the Data Strategy’s public consultation.

It sets out what the consistent and improved use of data means for individuals, for health and social care professionals, and for researchers and innovators, as well as setting out how and when its priorities will be delivered.

The analysis of the consultation was further used to inform the development of the Strategy and the associated impact assessments, including the equality impact assessment (EQIA).

Read the Data Strategy EQIA here.

What does improved use of data mean?

As someone using health and social care services, it means that you and those who provide your care get appropriate access to your data and the ability to manage it, meaning better support, a better experience and improved outcomes
As someone working in health and social care, it means access to the right information at the right time, supporting you in delivering the right care and support
As a researcher in health and social care, it means secure access to the types of data that give insight into health and care support.

Building on our engagement to date, the Strategy will continue to develop iteratively, with a programme of further stakeholder engagement events to be announced in the next few weeks.

These will initially focus on discussion with health, social care and social work professionals, and those involved in research and innovation, as we explore some of the more complex issues we know exist. We will also hold face to face engagement sessions with people who use, or who may use, health and social care services, or who support those who do.

The Data Strategy for health and social care is a commitment set out in the overall Digital Health and Care Strategy, published in October 2021, and reiterated in the supporting Delivery Plan published in November 2022.