News and Perspectives

Following the launch of the DataLoch Respiratory Registry earlier this year, we are delighted to announce that our registry has been updated to include Asthma, Wheeze, and Cystic Fibrosis data from South-East Scotland. This update represents a significant step forward for respiratory-related research by more easily enabling research involving any of these conditions.

At DataLoch, hosting data is only one part of what our service delivers. We also explore different ways in which we can improve the quality of the data we host, saving researchers time and effort, while working to preserve the confidentiality of those within the data.

A summary of the recent key improvements we have made to our data repository. The main additions include GP visit data, patient journeys through hospitals, cardiac surgeries and procedures, as well as greater clarity on diagnoses when people have been discharged from Emergency Departments.

The DataLoch Respiratory Registry is the first registry developed by the team. It is designed to improve support for respiratory researchers by offering a smoother data-selection experience, a streamlined application process, and straightforward access to related expertise.

Since the full launch of the DataLoch service in August 2022, support for researchers has expanded through further improving the data quality and views of data in the DataLoch repository. In addition, the development of a series of registries has commenced: the first will enhance support of respiratory research in the form of the DataLoch Respiratory Registry. Once complete, attention at DataLoch will turn to developing a new cardiology registry.

The DataLoch repository is under constant development thanks to new data from different collaborators and data sources, as well as work by our analyst team to improve the understanding of the data held and to share this knowledge with potential applicants. Here, we summarise the latest key improvements.

To provide greater support for our growing body of work, the DataLoch team is looking to expand the membership of our Public Reference Group.

A new partnership bringing together The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, NHS Lothian and Lenus Health, supported by Wellcome Leap, aims to develop improved support for Emergency Department clinicians through an innovative collaboration.