The use of personal information in medical research

The use of patient records offers huge potential for biomedical and healthcare research. Longitudinal cohort databases - which follow large groups of people over long periods of time - also provide a rich data source with the potential to answer questions about interactions between health, the environment, lifestyle and genes. But personal information is potentially both sensitive and private - it is crucial to develop public trust that data will be handled confidentially and securely.

The Wellcome Trust funds research that uses personal information, and actively encourages the research community to develop best practice to safeguard data. In particular, we have been working to ensure that the research potential of electronic patient records is realised. We also support public engagement activities to explore the issues around using personal information in biomedical research.

Access to GP records Developing best practice for the use of patient records for research in general practice.

Policies and positions The Trust's policies and consultation responses relating to the use of personal information.

E-health funding Realising the research potential of electronic patient records.

Public engagement Exploring and informing public attitudes to research involving personal information.

Data Sharing Review Recommendations relating to the use of data in research.

Policy reports from other organisations Recent studies on the use of personal information in research.