Since our last update, we have been working hard to improve data quality in several areas for the benefit of innovative research and NHS service management. In addition, new data are available, including GP visit data and patient journeys through hospitals. While for our Respiratory Registry, we have added Asthma and Wheeze cohorts.
Discover more below, including results from projects we have recently supported, as well as an invitation to an Inflammation and Immunity event we are involved in.
As ever, please Connect with Us if you want to find out more.
New data availability and improvements
Since our last update, the main additions to our data repository include GP visit data, patient journeys through hospitals, cardiac surgeries and procedures, and greater clarity on diagnoses when people have been discharged from Emergency Departments.
Find out more about the new data we host
Improving data quality while maintaining confidentiality
Beyond hosting data, at DataLoch, we actively explore different approaches to improve data quality. Our efforts ultimately save researchers time and effort, while also preserving the confidentiality of those within the data.
Explore how we have recently improved data quality
Our updated DataLoch Respiratory Registry
Following the launch of the DataLoch Respiratory Registry earlier this year, we are delighted to announce that we have updated our registry 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.
Discover the benefits of our updated Respiratory Registry
Launch webinar: Inflammation and Immunity including the DataLoch Respiratory Registry
Funded by Health Data Research UK, the Inflammation and Immunity Driver Programme will hold a launch webinar on Thursday 9 November. Their mission is to create ‘data foundations’ that will facilitate health care innovation using data across the whole UK population and transform our understanding of inflammation-mediated conditions.
The process of locating, accessing, curating, and linking data from Electronic Health Records is complex and time-consuming. This Driver Programme aims to streamline these challenges and develop gold-standard datasets for common respiratory conditions.
One early success that will be presented is the DataLoch Respiratory Registry. During the webinar, you will be able to discover more about what our registry offers and how it aligns with similar registries in other parts of the UK.
Register for the event
Research we have enabled: blood test and heart disease severity
In a project led by Dr Ryan Wereski (University of Edinburgh), the research team wanted to extend knowledge about the use of a troponin blood test to predict the severity of coronary heart disease. By using data accessed through our service, they found that for those with chronic angina, the troponin blood test can objectively predict the risk of future heart attack or death independently from cardiovascular risk factors and disease severity. This suggests that routine testing could help identify high-risk patients who require further treatment.
Access more information through the project summary
Research we have enabled: Early breast cancer research from the Edinburgh Cancer Informatics
Patients with a hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) early breast cancer with node involvement are known for a higher risk of recurrence. [A node is a network of glands that help drain fluid and containing a source of white blood cells to fight infections. Breast cancer can spread to those and make it harder to treat.]
To better describe patients affected with this type of breast cancer, and consequently improve treatment, the Edinburgh Cancer Informatics – a DataLoch collaborator – conducted a retrospective study looking at the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients in South-East Scotland. They found that node-positive HR+, HER2− early breast cancer with high-risk factors is associated with poor long-term outcomes, with a clear unmet need for improved treatments.
Discover more through the Edinburgh Cancer Informatics news item
