The use of personal information in medical research

The use of patient records offers huge potential for biomedical and healthcare research. 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.

Background information Find out more about how and why researchers use patient information.

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

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

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

Data protection legislation European legislation relating to data protection is currently under review.

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

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

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