The Opt Out Model and NHS Data Gathering - Unveiling Potential Concerns
Right now, the NHS data gathering efforts are driven by an opt-out model, which means that it retains all the data collected from patients in various types of care, ranging from routine GP visits to mental healthcare. This approach has allowed the NHS to create the world’s largest dataset of digital healthcare records, tracking patients for decades. This dataset holds immense potential for improving healthcare and promptly identifying new challenges. However, under the opt-out model, patients must explicitly request not to have their data used. The NHS explains the opt-out option as follows: