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.
An overview can be found in our summary poster with some specific pieces of work highlighted below.
Streamlining data for research
We transform data to enable projects to take place more easily, yet still maintain data security and confidentiality. One example is through incorporating HDR UK CALIBER phenotyping, which harmonises codes across primary and secondary care systems. Our phenotype datasets support researchers to: a) define populations of interest; b) define the baseline data of a cohort; and c) provide outcomes for a cohort.
Explore our HDR UK CALIBER phenotyping work
DataLoch registries: focussed research support
Our registries are theme-specific databases (defined by one or more related conditions or diseases) validated by clinical and academic experts. Pre-defined cohorts streamline the application process without compromising data security. Our Respiratory Registry supports research into lung disease by aligning with similar registries in other parts of the UK.
Discover how we harmonised respiratory data across the UK
Better understanding of free-text privacy risks
Privacy risk assessments are a vital part of our service delivery. However, they are usually very manual and time-consuming. Through the application of Natural Language Processing techniques on hospital discharge summaries, we are exploring how privacy risks can accumulate as a basis for developing a privacy risk dashboard. This dashboard will support our delivery of data extracts by making the process of minimising privacy risks more robust. (Note: free-text extracts are not currently made available for research projects.)
Find out more about our privacy risk assessment project
These are just some of the data-development projects that we have been working on recently. Connect with Us if you would like to find out more.
