ISCF HDRUK DIH Sprint Exemplar: GOSH–DRIVE Digital Research Environment for secure cloud-based health data management, FHIR-based interoperability and auditable analytics; a platform for research and advanced cognitive services development

Great Ormond Street Hospital, a specialist children’s centre, has established a digital research unit, including NHS clinicians, UCL academics and industry partners. Our aim is to improve child health by optimising the use of clinical data for research. This project will demonstrate how routinely collected, non-identifiable patient data can be used and tracked through the complete research cycle. We will take advantage of cloud-platforms and new technology (‘Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources’ ;FHIR) for the collection and safe handling of healthcare data. This approach will support the development of various healthcare ‘apps’, for patients, families and healthcare professionals, similar to existing phone apps used regularly by millions. Throughout this project, data is collected, accessed, and used in a safe and secure manner. The development of SMART apps does not require access to personal data while FHIR infrastructure can make health data available, irrespective of the IT system used by the organisation. The availability of health data will support research across NHS organisations that will directly benefit patients and clinical staff by improving knowledge, communication and healthcare management, and will support future developments such as artificial intelligence, without personal data being shared with technology companies that can provide these services.