Access to NHS Digital Portal (formerly HDIS)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) · Agency/Public Body
Expired The latest version ended on 31 May 2022. The September 2026 register still lists the agreement, but its term has passed.
- Reference
- DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F
- Latest version
- v8.2
- Term of latest version
- 14 February 2022 to 31 May 2022
- Start date
- Before 1 August 2019
- Data controller
- Sole Data Controller
- Commercial purposes
- No
- Sublicensing
- No
- Files released to date
- 0
Why the data was released
Objective for processing
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing
evidence-based guidance on health and social care. NICE guidance, standards and other resources help health, public health and social care professionals deliver the best possible care within the resources available.
NICE is the sole Data Controller who also process the data for purposes described under this Agreement.
NICE are requesting access to the NHS Digital Portal to access Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data under Article 6(1)(e) of the GDPR (processing is necessary for the performance of a task in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller) as NICE have a duty as set out in the Health & Social Care Act 2012 to produce guidance.
The Legal basis for processing of personal data relating to patient health is under Article 9(2)(j)of the GDPR - Processing is necessary for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) based on Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject. The data subjects interests and fundamental rights are protected
through appropriate minimisation of fields; protection of the data in a secure environment, and guaranteeing secure destruction at any stage at the request of NHS Digital or after a defined period on completion of the project. NICE will process HES data for statistical purposes to help inform the guidance they produce.
Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are used for the following:
- during the scoping of guidance and standards;
- at review; and
- to develop resource impact assessment tools for commissioners/and providers.
The data is used to evaluate activity both prior to and following publication of guidance/standards e.g. when developing guidance or deciding if it should be reviewed.
This data allows NICE to establish current activity levels in the NHS and enables the resource impact of implementing guidance to be established with increased precision.
NICE uses HES data during the development of CCG level indicators.
This is work jointly completed by NICE and NHS Digital on behalf of NHS England. These indicators provide clear, comparative information about the quality of health services and may be included in national frameworks such as the clinical commissioning group outcomes indicators set (CCG OIS) and CCG improvement and assessment framework (CCG IAF). These indicators provide comparative information about the quality of health services, associated outcomes and integrated care.
The data is primarily extracted at a national level but local level data may be needed for highly specialised technologies (small numbers of people) or for work associated with the cancer drugs fund. Data is limited to that required to answer specific questions and only aggregated data with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide is shared for publication.
Data will only be used for purposes relating to the provision of healthcare or the promotion of health in line with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 as amended by the Care Act 2014.
Processing activities
All organisations party to this agreement must comply with the Data Sharing Framework Contract requirements, including those regarding the use (and purposes of that use) by “Personnel” (as defined within the Data Sharing Framework Contract
ie: employees, agents and contractors of the Data Recipient who may have access to that data).
This agreement is for online VIP access to the record level HES database via the NHS Digital Portal/Data Access Environment. A maximum of 5000 records is permitted to be downloaded. The system is hosted and audited by NHS Digital meaning that large transfers of data to on-site servers is reduced and NHS Digital has the ability to audit the use and access to the data.
The NHS Digital Portal is a secure method giving access to data sets and associated analytical tools. It is accessed via a secure authentication method to named users. Users are only able to access the data sets detailed within this agreement.
Users log onto the portal and are presented with analysis tools which allow them to access the relevant data sets and reference data tables so that they can return appropriate descriptions to the coded data. The access and use of the system is fully auditable and all users must comply with the use of the data as specified in this agreement.
Users can produce outputs from the system in a number of formats. The system can produce row level extracts for local analysis in local analysis software.
Any record level data extracted from the system will not be processed outside of the analytics team and will be shared with guidance, guideline, indicator and tool developing teams within NICE. The data is shared using a secure distribution method (NICE Share is a HTTPS file sharing application based on Microsoft IIS. All communication is encrypted using HTTPS and authentication is required for any file access). Only registered NHS Digital Portal users will have access to record level or aggregate data containing small numbers downloaded from the system. Following completion of the analysis the record level data will be securely destroyed.
NICE currently has 3 licenses for access to the NHS Digital Portal and have the option to apply for further licenses if required. Approval for additional licences will be managed by the NHS Digital.
Data will only be accessed and processed by substantive employees of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and will not be accessed or processed by any other third parties not mentioned in this agreement.
The data will be used to: assess current activity levels in the NHS, in cost effectiveness analysis (economic modelling) and to cost the implementation (resource impact assessment) of NICE guidance.
All data extracted from the portal (including data with small numbers) are stored in network folders which have restricted access. The portal database and any extracted data (aggregated or that includes small numbers) will only be accessed using the NICE network through desktop PCs. Any data held temporarily on portable equipment must be supported by a business case and must be encrypted to a minimum of AES25.
To complete trend analysis NICE require access specifically to the last five years of data. Analysis of the last full five years data enables patterns and trends to be established and allows NICE to assess the level of need/cost with increased
precision.
The data extracted from the portal is compared to other data sets at a national level (England) e.g. prescribing data in the Innovation Scorecard. No data will be linked to record level patient data and there will be no attempt to re-identify individuals. The majority of the data extracted from the portal is at a national level (England) however access to local level data (CCG or trust) is sometimes needed when developing resource impact assessment tools or during the scoping of guidance to establish if there is variation in practice across the country (England).
Access to pseudonymised record level data is essential when considering guidance for rare conditions/diseases, as they often affect very small numbers of people.
NICE has offices in Manchester and London, and the data extracted from the portal will be stored and accessed using servers based onsite in these locations; each server is a mirror of the other. The security arrangements and policies are the same for both locations. The portal is only accessed by Manchester based staff.
Where outputs are shared for publication with committee members, small numbers are suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide. All committee members have signed confidentiality agreements.
There is no flow of data into NHS Digital as part of this agreement. NHS Digital will grant access to the NHS Digital Portal where NICE can obtain access to HES data (health data).
Users are not permitted to link data extracted from the system to any other data items which make the data identifiable.
Expected output
The data is being used for the development of guidance/standards that: are independent and authoritative, are based on the best available evidence and set out the best ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and ill health, promote healthy living, and care for vulnerable people.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. HES data are used during guidance development and to produce tools to support its implementation. Users of the system are able to produce outputs from the system in a number of formats. The system has the ability to be able to produce row count extracts for local analysis in Excel or other local analysis software. Users are also able to produce tabulations, aggregations, reports, charts, graphs and statistical outputs for viewing on screen or export to a local system.
Any outputs that are produced from the system that are to be published or shared will be small number suppressed outputs in line with the HES analysis guide. Users are currently not permitted to link data extracted from the system to any other data items which make the data identifiable.
The results are provided to teams within NICE responsible for guidance/standard/indicator development. They are also discussed by guidance/indicator developing committees. Key documents used during the development of guidance/standards are published on NICE’s website. Only data in a format suitable for publication will be presented. These documents are available free of charge to the public. NICE publishes new guidance throughout the year and so this work is on-going.
HES data is also used by NICE’s indicator development team during the development phase. This is work jointly undertaken by NICE and NHS Digital, and is funded by NHS England. The data are discussed at indicator development committees but only once the small numbers policy has been applied.
Research Impact Assessment Tools explore the costing of NICE recommendations to establish the financial impact on the NHS, Local Authorities and individual providers. These tools help the organisations involved to plan the implementation of evidence based guidance which helps to improve health and social care.
An example of a specific output for 2021 is given below:
Example : Use of data to support a resource impact statement for NICE guideline: Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management (NG131)
Output:
Resource impact report and template published November 2021: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng131/resources
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2019/20 admitted patient care dataset, with a diagnosis of prostate cancer and a number of procedures (TURP, Turis (now called PLASMA), Holep, Thulium enucleation, Millins prostatectomy, GLL, Rezum, Urolift, iTind stent, BNI (bladder neck incision), Aqua ablation, Prostate artery embolisation . The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
Summary statistics:
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of prostate cancer and a given procedure. The data were used to inform a resource impact report and template.
Published:
The data has not been published. However, it informed the resource impact report and template on the NICE website and is freely available (see link above).
By using the data, NICE were able to come to the conclusion that the estimated financial impact of implementing this guideline for England in the next 5 years is a cost of £5.1m in 2019/20 rising to £9.3m in 2023/24. These costs may be offset by savings of £4.9m in 2019/20 rising to £7.4m in 2023/24, giving a net impact of £0.3m in 2019/20 rising to £1.9m in 2023/24. The resource impact template will help local services view their own activity against this.
In 2021, NICE performed 16 HES extracts which informed NICE products and the number of around an extract a month will continue for the duration of the Agreement. These will be used for similar purposes as outlined above as well as directly contributing to economic models for NICE guidance. All outputs will contain only data that is aggregated with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide.
Expected measurable benefits
NICE produces evidence based guidance that has clear benefits for the Health and Social Care sectors and for patients. The benefits of using the data extend beyond the term of the proposed contract.
The impact of NICE guidance can be found here: https://www.nice.org.uk/about/what-we-do/into-practice/measuring-the-uptake-of-nice-guidance/impact-of-guidance. However ,measuring the impact of NICE guidance is complicated as many other factors also contribute to patient outcomes.
NICE uses HES data from the NHS Digital Portal to support the development and implementation of NICE Guidance and Quality Standards in the following ways:-
HES data are used to provide the NHS with information to help them understand the resource impact of implementing NICE guidance. NICE also uses the data to develop evidence based guidance. The data are used to understand the population likely to benefit from the introduction of new medicines and technologies.
NICE is developing its data strategy to inform how real world evidence can be used to develop “living” guidance. This has been demonstrated in the rapid COVID-19 guidelines. A “living” approach for guidelines, means that targeted areas will be continuously reviewed and updated in response to emerging evidence. HES data may be evidence that could be used to update such guidance.
Benefits reported so far
NICE expects to see similar benefits in to how they have used HES data in the past, as discussed in the outputs for resource impact reports and templates for the guideline on Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management .
Benefits:
By establishing that this guidance could have significant cost impact and where future savings may be offset, NICE are informing the health care system that significant changes may be required in system configuration for the care of people with prostate cancer. In addition, by developing a resource impact template organisations can input estimates into the local resource impact template to reflect local practice and estimate the impact of implementing the guideline locally.
Datasets on the latest version
Legal basis for provision: Health and Social Care Act 2012 - s261 - 'Other dissemination of information'
| Dataset | Type of data | Sensitivity | Frequency | Confidential data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital Episode Statistics Accident and Emergency (HES A and E) | Anonymised - ICO Code Compliant | Non-Sensitive | System Access | Does not include the flow of confidential data |
| Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC) | Anonymised - ICO Code Compliant | Non-Sensitive | System Access | Does not include the flow of confidential data |
| Hospital Episode Statistics Critical Care (HES Critical Care) | Anonymised - ICO Code Compliant | Non-Sensitive | System Access | Does not include the flow of confidential data |
| Hospital Episode Statistics Outpatients (HES OP) | Anonymised - ICO Code Compliant | Non-Sensitive | System Access | Does not include the flow of confidential data |
Files released
Files released counts only files released externally by DARS. Access granted in NHS England's own systems, such as its Secure Data Environment, is not included.
No files recorded as released under this agreement.
Version history
The register lists each renewal of this agreement as a separate row. This site has 6 versions — earlier versions existed before this site's records begin.
DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v8.2 14 February 2022 to 31 May 2022
- Title
- Access to NHS Digital Portal (formerly HDIS)
- Commercial
- No
- Sublicensing
- No
- Datasets
- 4
- Files released
- 0
Datasets: Hospital Episode Statistics Accident and Emergency (HES A and E); Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC); Hospital Episode Statistics Critical Care (HES Critical Care); Hospital Episode Statistics Outpatients (HES OP)
What changed from DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v7.2
Text removed is struck through; text added is underlined. Unchanged paragraphs are summarised rather than repeated.
| Field | Was | Became |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | 2022-02-14 |
Unchanged: Objective for processing, Processing activities, Expected output, Expected measurable benefits, Benefits reported.
DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v7.2 1 February 2022 to 31 May 2022
- Title
- Access to NHS Digital Portal (formerly HDIS)
- Commercial
- No
- Sublicensing
- No
- Datasets
- 4
- Files released
- 0
Datasets: Hospital Episode Statistics Accident and Emergency (HES A and E); Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC); Hospital Episode Statistics Critical Care (HES Critical Care); Hospital Episode Statistics Outpatients (HES OP)
What changed from DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v6.4
Text removed is struck through; text added is underlined. Unchanged paragraphs are summarised rather than repeated.
| Field | Was | Became |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | 2022-02-01 | |
| End date | 2022-05-31 |
Objective for processing
[2 paragraphs unchanged]
NICE
act as
is
the
sole
Data Controller
and Data Processor
who also process the data for purposes described
under this Agreement.
[13 paragraphs unchanged]
Expected output
[6 paragraphs unchanged]
An
examples
example
of
a
specific
outputs are
output for 2021 is
given below:
Example : Use of data to support a resource impact statement for NICE
technology appraisal guidance: Avatrombopag for treating thrombocytopenia in people with chronic liver disease needing a planned invasive procedure (TA626)
guideline: Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management (NG131)
[1 paragraph unchanged]
Resource impact statement published June 2020: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta626/resources/resource-impact-statement-8776002637
Resource impact report and template published November 2021: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng131/resources
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the
2018/19
2019/20
admitted patient care dataset, with a diagnosis of
cirrhosis who had
prostate cancer and
a
procedure
number
of
intravenous blood transfusion of platelets.
procedures (TURP, Turis (now called PLASMA), Holep, Thulium enucleation, Millins prostatectomy, GLL, Rezum, Urolift, iTind stent, BNI (bladder neck incision), Aqua ablation, Prostate artery embolisation .
The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of
cirrhosis who went on to receive intravenous blood transfusion of platelets.
prostate cancer and a given procedure.
The data were used
alongside clinical expert opinion
to inform
committee discussion about the
a
resource impact
for Avatrombopag.
report and template.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The data has not been published.
However
However,
it informed the resource impact
statement
report and template
on the NICE website and is freely available (see link above).
By using the data to inform committee discussions we were able to come to the conclusion that we did not expect the guidance to have a significant impact on resources; that is, the resource impact of implementing the recommendations would be less than £5 million per year in England (or £9,000 per 100,000 population).
By using the data, NICE were able to come to the conclusion that the estimated financial impact of implementing this guideline for England in the next 5 years is a cost of £5.1m in 2019/20 rising to £9.3m in 2023/24. These costs may be offset by savings of £4.9m in 2019/20 rising to £7.4m in 2023/24, giving a net impact of £0.3m in 2019/20 rising to £1.9m in 2023/24. The resource impact template will help local services view their own activity against this.
In
2020 we
2021, NICE
performed
14
16
HES extracts which informed NICE products and
this
the
number
of around an extract a month
will
be similar
continue
for
2021.
the duration of the Agreement.
These will be used for similar purposes as outlined above
as well as resource impact tools
as well as directly contributing to economic models for NICE guidance. All
[7 words unchanged]
aggregated with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide.
Benefits reported
The following illustrates how NICE uses this data and expects to see similar benefits for future guidance developed by NICE:
NICE expects to see similar benefits in to how they have used HES data in the past, as discussed in the outputs for resource impact reports and templates for the guideline on Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management .
Use of data to support a resource impact statement for NICE technology appraisal guidance: Avatrombopag for treating thrombocytopenia in people with chronic liver disease needing a planned invasive procedure (TA626)
Output:
Resource impact statement published June 2020: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta626/resources/resource-impact-statement-8776002637
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2018/19 admitted patient care dataset, with a diagnosis of cirrhosis who had a procedure of intravenous blood transfusion of platelets. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
Summary statistics:
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of cirrhosis who went on to receive intravenous blood transfusion of platelets. The data were used alongside clinical expert opinion to inform committee discussion about the resource impact for Avatrombopag.
Published:
The data has not been published. However it informed the resource impact statement n the NICE website and is freely available (see link above).
By using the data to inform committee discussions we were able to come to the conclusion that we did not expect the guidance to have a significant impact on resources; that is, the resource impact of implementing the recommendations would be less than £5 million per year in England (or £9,000 per 100,000 population).
[1 paragraph unchanged]
By establishing that this guidance would not have a significant impact on resources we were able to recommend avatrombopag as a treatment option for thrombocytopenia, with knowledge it would not have significant incremental costs.
By establishing that this guidance could have significant cost impact and where future savings may be offset, NICE are informing the health care system that significant changes may be required in system configuration for the care of people with prostate cancer. In addition, by developing a resource impact template organisations can input estimates into the local resource impact template to reflect local practice and estimate the impact of implementing the guideline locally.
The addition of avatrombopag in the treatment pathway may help reduce the need for platelet transfusions. It may also help increase the time in which procedures can be scheduled and reduce hospital stays.
Unchanged: Processing activities, Expected measurable benefits.
Objective for processing
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing
evidence-based guidance on health and social care. NICE guidance, standards and other resources help health, public health and social care professionals deliver the best possible care within the resources available.
NICE is the sole Data Controller who also process the data for purposes described under this Agreement.
NICE are requesting access to the NHS Digital Portal to access Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data under Article 6(1)(e) of the GDPR (processing is necessary for the performance of a task in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller) as NICE have a duty as set out in the Health & Social Care Act 2012 to produce guidance.
The Legal basis for processing of personal data relating to patient health is under Article 9(2)(j)of the GDPR - Processing is necessary for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) based on Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject. The data subjects interests and fundamental rights are protected
through appropriate minimisation of fields; protection of the data in a secure environment, and guaranteeing secure destruction at any stage at the request of NHS Digital or after a defined period on completion of the project. NICE will process HES data for statistical purposes to help inform the guidance they produce.
Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are used for the following:
- during the scoping of guidance and standards;
- at review; and
- to develop resource impact assessment tools for commissioners/and providers.
The data is used to evaluate activity both prior to and following publication of guidance/standards e.g. when developing guidance or deciding if it should be reviewed.
This data allows NICE to establish current activity levels in the NHS and enables the resource impact of implementing guidance to be established with increased precision.
NICE uses HES data during the development of CCG level indicators.
This is work jointly completed by NICE and NHS Digital on behalf of NHS England. These indicators provide clear, comparative information about the quality of health services and may be included in national frameworks such as the clinical commissioning group outcomes indicators set (CCG OIS) and CCG improvement and assessment framework (CCG IAF). These indicators provide comparative information about the quality of health services, associated outcomes and integrated care.
The data is primarily extracted at a national level but local level data may be needed for highly specialised technologies (small numbers of people) or for work associated with the cancer drugs fund. Data is limited to that required to answer specific questions and only aggregated data with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide is shared for publication.
Data will only be used for purposes relating to the provision of healthcare or the promotion of health in line with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 as amended by the Care Act 2014.
Expected output
The data is being used for the development of guidance/standards that: are independent and authoritative, are based on the best available evidence and set out the best ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and ill health, promote healthy living, and care for vulnerable people.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. HES data are used during guidance development and to produce tools to support its implementation. Users of the system are able to produce outputs from the system in a number of formats. The system has the ability to be able to produce row count extracts for local analysis in Excel or other local analysis software. Users are also able to produce tabulations, aggregations, reports, charts, graphs and statistical outputs for viewing on screen or export to a local system.
Any outputs that are produced from the system that are to be published or shared will be small number suppressed outputs in line with the HES analysis guide. Users are currently not permitted to link data extracted from the system to any other data items which make the data identifiable.
The results are provided to teams within NICE responsible for guidance/standard/indicator development. They are also discussed by guidance/indicator developing committees. Key documents used during the development of guidance/standards are published on NICE’s website. Only data in a format suitable for publication will be presented. These documents are available free of charge to the public. NICE publishes new guidance throughout the year and so this work is on-going.
HES data is also used by NICE’s indicator development team during the development phase. This is work jointly undertaken by NICE and NHS Digital, and is funded by NHS England. The data are discussed at indicator development committees but only once the small numbers policy has been applied.
Research Impact Assessment Tools explore the costing of NICE recommendations to establish the financial impact on the NHS, Local Authorities and individual providers. These tools help the organisations involved to plan the implementation of evidence based guidance which helps to improve health and social care.
An example of a specific output for 2021 is given below:
Example : Use of data to support a resource impact statement for NICE guideline: Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management (NG131)
Output:
Resource impact report and template published November 2021: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng131/resources
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2019/20 admitted patient care dataset, with a diagnosis of prostate cancer and a number of procedures (TURP, Turis (now called PLASMA), Holep, Thulium enucleation, Millins prostatectomy, GLL, Rezum, Urolift, iTind stent, BNI (bladder neck incision), Aqua ablation, Prostate artery embolisation . The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
Summary statistics:
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of prostate cancer and a given procedure. The data were used to inform a resource impact report and template.
Published:
The data has not been published. However, it informed the resource impact report and template on the NICE website and is freely available (see link above).
By using the data, NICE were able to come to the conclusion that the estimated financial impact of implementing this guideline for England in the next 5 years is a cost of £5.1m in 2019/20 rising to £9.3m in 2023/24. These costs may be offset by savings of £4.9m in 2019/20 rising to £7.4m in 2023/24, giving a net impact of £0.3m in 2019/20 rising to £1.9m in 2023/24. The resource impact template will help local services view their own activity against this.
In 2021, NICE performed 16 HES extracts which informed NICE products and the number of around an extract a month will continue for the duration of the Agreement. These will be used for similar purposes as outlined above as well as directly contributing to economic models for NICE guidance. All outputs will contain only data that is aggregated with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide.
Benefits reported
NICE expects to see similar benefits in to how they have used HES data in the past, as discussed in the outputs for resource impact reports and templates for the guideline on Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management .
Benefits:
By establishing that this guidance could have significant cost impact and where future savings may be offset, NICE are informing the health care system that significant changes may be required in system configuration for the care of people with prostate cancer. In addition, by developing a resource impact template organisations can input estimates into the local resource impact template to reflect local practice and estimate the impact of implementing the guideline locally.
DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v6.4 1 February 2021 to 31 January 2022
- Title
- Access to NHS Digital Portal (formerly HDIS)
- Commercial
- No
- Sublicensing
- No
- Datasets
- 4
- Files released
- 0
Datasets: Hospital Episode Statistics Accident and Emergency (HES A and E); Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC); Hospital Episode Statistics Critical Care (HES Critical Care); Hospital Episode Statistics Outpatients (HES OP)
What changed from DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v5.4
Text removed is struck through; text added is underlined. Unchanged paragraphs are summarised rather than repeated.
| Field | Was | Became |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | 2021-02-01 | |
| End date | 2022-01-31 | |
| Hospital Episode Statistics Accident and Emergency (HES A and E): legal basis | Health and Social Care Act 2012 - s261 - 'Other dissemination of information' | |
| Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC): legal basis | Health and Social Care Act 2012 - s261 - 'Other dissemination of information' | |
| Hospital Episode Statistics Critical Care (HES Critical Care): legal basis | Health and Social Care Act 2012 - s261 - 'Other dissemination of information' | |
| Hospital Episode Statistics Outpatients (HES OP): legal basis | Health and Social Care Act 2012 - s261 - 'Other dissemination of information' |
Objective for processing
[2 paragraphs unchanged]
NICE act as the Data Controller and Data Processor under this Agreement.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The Legal basis for processing of personal data relating to patient health
[70 words unchanged]
the data subject. The data subjects interests and fundamental rights are protected
through appropriate minimisation of fields; protection of the data in a secure environment, and guaranteeing secure destruction at any stage at the request of NHS Digital or after a defined period on completion of the project. NICE will process HES data for statistical purposes to help inform the guidance they produce.
There are no moral or ethical issues raised by this data request and the data access/dissemination poses no risk of potential
through appropriate minimisation of fields; protection of the data in a secure environment, and guaranteeing secure destruction at any stage at the request of NHS Digital or after a defined period on completion of the project. NICE will process HES data for statistical purposes to help inform the guidance they produce.
harm to the public.
[5 paragraphs unchanged]
This data allows NICE to establish current activity levels in the NHS and enables the resource impact of implementing guidance to be established with increased precision.
NICE uses HES data during the development of CCG level indicators. This is work jointly completed by NICE and NHS Digital on behalf of NHS England. These indicators provide clear, comparative information about the quality of health services and may be included in national frameworks such as the clinical commissioning group outcomes indicators set (CCG OIS) and
CCG improvement and assessment framework (CCG IAF). These indicators provide comparative information about the quality of health services, associated outcomes and integrated care.
NICE uses HES data during the development of CCG level indicators.
The data is primarily extracted at a national level but local level data may be needed for highly specialised technologies (small numbers of people) or for work associated with the cancer drugs fund.
This is work jointly completed by NICE and NHS Digital on behalf of NHS England. These indicators provide clear, comparative information about the quality of health services and may be included in national frameworks such as the clinical commissioning group outcomes indicators set (CCG OIS) and CCG improvement and assessment framework (CCG IAF). These indicators provide comparative information about the quality of health services, associated outcomes and integrated care.
The data is primarily extracted at a national level but local level data may be needed for highly specialised technologies (small numbers of people) or for work associated with the cancer drugs fund.
Data is limited to that required to answer specific questions and only
[5 words unchanged]
suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide is shared for publication.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
Processing activities
[2 paragraphs unchanged]
This agreement is for online
VIP
access to the record level HES database via the NHS Digital Portal/Data Access Environment. A
maximum of 5000 records is permitted to be downloaded. The system is hosted and audited by NHS Digital meaning that large transfers of data to on-site servers is reduced and NHS Digital has the ability to audit the use and access to the data.
maximum of 5000 records is permitted to be downloaded. The system is hosted and audited by NHS Digital meaning that large transfers of data to on-site servers is reduced and NHS Digital has the ability to audit the use and access to the data.
The NHS Digital Portal is a secure method giving access to data sets and associated analytical tools. It is accessed via a secure authentication method to named users. Users are only able to access the data sets detailed within this agreement.
The NHS Digital Portal is a secure method giving access to data sets and associated analytical tools. It is accessed via a
Users log onto the portal and are presented with analysis tools which allow them to access the relevant data sets and reference data tables so that they can return appropriate descriptions to the coded data. The access and use of the system is fully auditable and all users must comply with the use of the data as specified in this agreement.
secure authentication method to named users. Users are only able to access the data sets detailed within this agreement.
Users log onto the portal and are presented with analysis tools which allow them to access the relevant data sets and
reference data tables so that they can return appropriate descriptions to the coded data. The access and use of the system is fully auditable and all users must comply with the use of the data as specified in this agreement.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
Any record level data extracted from the system will not be processed
[35 words unchanged]
application based on Microsoft IIS. All communication is encrypted using HTTPS and
authentication is required for any file access). Only registered NHS Digital Portal users will have access to record level or aggregate data containing small numbers downloaded from the system. Following completion of the analysis the record level data will be securely destroyed.
authentication is required for any file access).
Only registered NHS Digital Portal users will have access to record level or aggregate data containing small numbers downloaded from the system. Following completion of the analysis the record level data will be securely destroyed.
[6 paragraphs unchanged]
The data extracted from the portal is compared to other data sets
[18 words unchanged]
record level patient data and there will be no attempt to re-identify
individuals. The majority of the data extracted from the portal is at a national level (England) however access to local level data (CCG or trust) is sometimes needed when developing resource impact assessment tools or during the scoping of guidance to establish if there is variation in practice across the country (England).
individuals. The majority of the data extracted from the portal is at a national level (England) however access to local level data (CCG or
Access to pseudonymised record level data is essential when considering guidance for rare conditions/diseases, as they often affect very small numbers of people.
trust) is sometimes needed when developing resource impact assessment tools or during the scoping of guidance to establish if there is variation in practice across the country (England).
NICE has offices in Manchester and London, and the data extracted from the portal will be stored and accessed using servers based onsite in these locations; each server is a mirror of the other. The security arrangements and policies are the same for both locations. The portal is only accessed by Manchester based staff.
Access to pseudonymised record level data is essential when considering guidance for rare conditions/diseases, as they often affect very small numbers of people. NICE has offices in Manchester and London, and the data extracted from the portal will be stored and accessed using servers based onsite in these locations; each server is a mirror of the other. The security arrangements and policies are the same for both locations. The portal is only accessed by Manchester based staff.
[3 paragraphs unchanged]
Expected output
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance
[11 words unchanged]
used during guidance development and to produce tools to support its implementation.
Users of the system are able to produce outputs from the system in a number of formats. The system has the ability to be able to produce row count extracts for local analysis in Excel or other local analysis software. Users are also able to produce tabulations, aggregations, reports, charts, graphs and statistical outputs for viewing on screen or export to a local system.
Users of the system
Any outputs that
are
able to produce outputs
produced
from the system
in a number of formats. The system has the ability
that are
to be
able
published or shared will be small number suppressed outputs in line with the HES analysis guide. Users are currently not permitted
to
produce small row count extracts for local analysis in Excel or
link data extracted from the system to any
other
local analysis software.
data items which make the data identifiable.
Users are also able to produce tabulations, aggregations, reports, charts, graphs and statistical outputs for viewing on screen or export to a local system. Any outputs that are produced from the system that are to be published or shared will be small number suppressed outputs in line with the HES analysis guide. Users are not permitted to link data extracted from the system to any other data items which make the data identifiable.
The results are provided to teams within NICE responsible for guidance/standard/indicator development. They are also discussed by guidance/indicator developing committees. Key documents used during the development of guidance/standards are published on NICE’s website. Only data in a format suitable for publication will be presented. These documents are available free of charge to the public. NICE publishes new guidance throughout the year and so this work is on-going.
The results are provided to teams within NICE responsible for guidance/standard/indicator development. They are also discussed by guidance/indicator developing committees. Key documents used during the development of
HES data is also used by NICE’s indicator development team during the development phase. This is work jointly undertaken by NICE and NHS Digital, and is funded by NHS England. The data are discussed at indicator development committees but only once the small numbers policy has been applied.
guidance/standards are published on NICE’s website. Only data in a format suitable for publication will be presented. These
documents are available free of charge to the public.
NICE publishes new guidance throughout the year and so this work is on-going. HES data is also used by NICE’s indicator development team during the development phase. This is work jointly undertaken by NICE and the NHS Digital, and is funded by NHS England. The data are discussed at indicator development committees
but only once the small numbers policy has been applied (see above).
[1 paragraph unchanged]
Two
An
examples of specific outputs are given below:
Example 1: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Renal and ureteric stones: assessment and
Example : Use of data to support a resource impact statement for NICE technology appraisal guidance: Avatrombopag for treating thrombocytopenia in people with chronic liver disease needing a planned invasive procedure (TA626)
management (NG118)
[1 paragraph unchanged]
Resource impact
template
statement
published
January 2019: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng118/resources
June 2020: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta626/resources/resource-impact-statement-8776002637
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the
2016/17
2018/19
admitted patient care dataset, with a
primary
diagnosis of cirrhosis who had a procedure of intravenous blood transfusion of platelets. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
diagnosis of ureteric stones. A further extract was undertaken to establish the proportion of this population who
underwent a shockwave lithotripsy procedure. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of
ureteric stones.
cirrhosis who went on to receive intravenous blood transfusion of platelets.
The data were used alongside clinical expert opinion to
estimate
inform committee discussion about
the
number of people undergoing specified procedures in the future.
resource impact for Avatrombopag.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The
data has not been published. However it informed the
resource impact
template and report have been published
statement
on the NICE website and is freely
available.
available (see link above).
The tool contains calculations based on or informed by extracted data.
By using the data to inform committee discussions we were able to come to the conclusion that we did not expect the guidance to have a significant impact on resources; that is, the resource impact of implementing the recommendations would be less than £5 million per year in England (or £9,000 per 100,000 population).
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for babies
In 2020 we performed 14 HES extracts which informed NICE products and this number will be similar for 2021. These will be used for similar purposes as outlined above as well as resource impact tools as well as directly contributing to economic models for NICE guidance. All outputs will contain only data that is aggregated with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide.
born preterm (NG124)
Output: Resource impact statement published April 2019
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng124/resources
The number of live birth episodes in England, from the 2016/17 admitted patient care and maternity datasets. With a primary or secondary procedure of ventilation and a gestation length of either 24 to 28 weeks or 29 to 32 weeks.
Summary statistics:
At a national level the data were used to observe the level of activity for babies born at a gestational age of between 24-28 weeks and 24-32 weeks and then needing respiratory support before they leave hospital. The extracted data informed the development of the resource impact statement and informed the calculations on the cost of implementing recommendations. The development work, including the extracted data is not routinely published.
Published: The resource impact statement has been published on the NICE website and does not contain any data. The statement is
freely available (see link above).
All outputs will contain only data that is aggregated with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide
Expected measurable benefits
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The
uptake and
impact of NICE guidance can be found
on
here: https://www.nice.org.uk/about/what-we-do/into-practice/measuring-the-uptake-of-nice-guidance/impact-of-guidance. However ,measuring
the
impact of
NICE
Website https://www.nice.org.uk/About/What-we-do/Intopractice/
guidance is complicated as many other factors also contribute to patient outcomes.
Measuring-the-uptake-of-NICE-guidance. Measuring the impact of NICE guidance is complicated as many other factors also contribute to patient outcomes.
NICE uses HES data from the NHS Digital Portal to support the development and implementation of NICE Guidance and Quality Standards in the following ways:-
HES data are used to provide the NHS with information to help
[12 words unchanged]
the data to develop evidence based guidance. The data are used to
understand the population likely to benefit from the introduction of new medicines and technologies.
understand the population likely to benefit from the introduction of new medicines and technologies.
NICE is developing its data strategy to inform how real world evidence can be used to develop “living” guidance. This has been demonstrated in the rapid COVID-19 guidelines. A “living” approach for guidelines, means that targeted areas will be continuously reviewed and updated in response to emerging evidence. HES data may be evidence that could be used to update such guidance.
The following illustrates how NICE uses this data and expects to see similar benefits for future guidance developed by NICE:
Example 1: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Renal and ureteric stones: assessment
and management (NG118)
Output:
Resource impact template published January 2019: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng118/resources
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2016/17 admitted patient care dataset, with a primary diagnosis of ureteric stones. A further extract was undertaken to establish the proportion of this population
who underwent a shockwave lithotripsy procedure. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
Summary statistics:
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of ureteric stones. The data were used alongside clinical expert opinion to estimate the number of people undergoing specified
procedures in the future.
Published:
The resource impact template and report have been published on the NICE website and is freely available. The tool contains calculations based on or informed by extracted data.
Benefits:
NICE produces reports, templates and statements alongside published guidance. They detail the potential impact of guidance on finances and other resources (workforce, capacity and demand, infrastructure and training and education). The resource impact template and report set out that the implementation of this guidance has the potential to generate costs savings.
The savings result from:
• an increase in medical expulsive therapy (alpha blockers) for stones less than 10 mm and a reduction in surgical interventions
• an increase in shockwave lithotripsy (waves of energy used to break kidney stones into small enough fragments to enable them to pass naturally in the urine) and a reduction in ureteroscopy for people with stones that are less than 10 mm and require a surgical intervention.
Benefits reported
To help providers and commissioners implement guidance it is important for them to understand the impact on resources in doing so. This example shows how HES data was used to estimate the resource impact of putting these
The following illustrates how NICE uses this data and expects to see similar benefits for future guidance developed by NICE:
recommendations in place.
Use of data to support a resource impact statement for NICE technology appraisal guidance: Avatrombopag for treating thrombocytopenia in people with chronic liver disease needing a planned invasive procedure (TA626)
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for
Output:
babies born preterm (NG124)
Resource impact statement published June 2020: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta626/resources/resource-impact-statement-8776002637
Output: Resource impact statement published April 2019
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2018/19 admitted patient care dataset, with a diagnosis of cirrhosis who had a procedure of intravenous blood transfusion of platelets. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng124/resources
The number of live birth episodes in England, from the 2016/17 admitted patient care and maternity datasets. With a primary or secondary procedure of ventilation and a gestation length of either 24 to 28 weeks or 29 to 32 weeks.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
At a national level the data were used to observe the level of activity for babies born at a gestational age of between 24-28 weeks and 24-32 weeks and then needing respiratory support before they leave hospital. The extracted data informed the development of the resource impact statement and informed the calculations on the cost of implementing recommendations. The development work, including the extracted data is not routinely published.
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of cirrhosis who went on to receive intravenous blood transfusion of platelets. The data were used alongside clinical expert opinion to inform committee discussion about the resource impact for Avatrombopag.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The
data has not been published. However it informed the
resource impact statement
has been published on
n
the NICE website and
does not contain any data. The statement
is freely
available.
available (see link above).
By using the data to inform committee discussions we were able to come to the conclusion that we did not expect the guidance to have a significant impact on resources; that is, the resource impact of implementing the recommendations would be less than £5 million per year in England (or £9,000 per 100,000 population).
[1 paragraph unchanged]
NICE produces reports, templates and statements alongside published guidance. They detail the potential impact of guidance on finances and other resources (workforce, capacity and demand, infrastructure and training and education). The resource impact statement sets out the implementation of this guidance. It does not expect this guideline to have a significant impact on resources; that is:
By establishing that this guidance would not have a significant impact on resources we were able to recommend avatrombopag as a treatment option for thrombocytopenia, with knowledge it would not have significant incremental costs.
• the resource impact of implementing any single guideline recommendation will be less than £1 million per year in England and
The addition of avatrombopag in the treatment pathway may help reduce the need for platelet transfusions. It may also help increase the time in which procedures can be scheduled and reduce hospital stays.
• the resource impact of implementing the whole guideline in England will be less than £5 million per year.
Objective for processing
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing
evidence-based guidance on health and social care. NICE guidance, standards and other resources help health, public health and social care professionals deliver the best possible care within the resources available.
NICE act as the Data Controller and Data Processor under this Agreement.
NICE are requesting access to the NHS Digital Portal to access Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data under Article 6(1)(e) of the GDPR (processing is necessary for the performance of a task in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller) as NICE have a duty as set out in the Health & Social Care Act 2012 to produce guidance.
The Legal basis for processing of personal data relating to patient health is under Article 9(2)(j)of the GDPR - Processing is necessary for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) based on Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject. The data subjects interests and fundamental rights are protected
through appropriate minimisation of fields; protection of the data in a secure environment, and guaranteeing secure destruction at any stage at the request of NHS Digital or after a defined period on completion of the project. NICE will process HES data for statistical purposes to help inform the guidance they produce.
Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are used for the following:
- during the scoping of guidance and standards;
- at review; and
- to develop resource impact assessment tools for commissioners/and providers.
The data is used to evaluate activity both prior to and following publication of guidance/standards e.g. when developing guidance or deciding if it should be reviewed.
This data allows NICE to establish current activity levels in the NHS and enables the resource impact of implementing guidance to be established with increased precision.
NICE uses HES data during the development of CCG level indicators.
This is work jointly completed by NICE and NHS Digital on behalf of NHS England. These indicators provide clear, comparative information about the quality of health services and may be included in national frameworks such as the clinical commissioning group outcomes indicators set (CCG OIS) and CCG improvement and assessment framework (CCG IAF). These indicators provide comparative information about the quality of health services, associated outcomes and integrated care.
The data is primarily extracted at a national level but local level data may be needed for highly specialised technologies (small numbers of people) or for work associated with the cancer drugs fund. Data is limited to that required to answer specific questions and only aggregated data with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide is shared for publication.
Data will only be used for purposes relating to the provision of healthcare or the promotion of health in line with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 as amended by the Care Act 2014.
Expected output
The data is being used for the development of guidance/standards that: are independent and authoritative, are based on the best available evidence and set out the best ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and ill health, promote healthy living, and care for vulnerable people.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. HES data are used during guidance development and to produce tools to support its implementation. Users of the system are able to produce outputs from the system in a number of formats. The system has the ability to be able to produce row count extracts for local analysis in Excel or other local analysis software. Users are also able to produce tabulations, aggregations, reports, charts, graphs and statistical outputs for viewing on screen or export to a local system.
Any outputs that are produced from the system that are to be published or shared will be small number suppressed outputs in line with the HES analysis guide. Users are currently not permitted to link data extracted from the system to any other data items which make the data identifiable.
The results are provided to teams within NICE responsible for guidance/standard/indicator development. They are also discussed by guidance/indicator developing committees. Key documents used during the development of guidance/standards are published on NICE’s website. Only data in a format suitable for publication will be presented. These documents are available free of charge to the public. NICE publishes new guidance throughout the year and so this work is on-going.
HES data is also used by NICE’s indicator development team during the development phase. This is work jointly undertaken by NICE and NHS Digital, and is funded by NHS England. The data are discussed at indicator development committees but only once the small numbers policy has been applied.
Research Impact Assessment Tools explore the costing of NICE recommendations to establish the financial impact on the NHS, Local Authorities and individual providers. These tools help the organisations involved to plan the implementation of evidence based guidance which helps to improve health and social care.
An examples of specific outputs are given below:
Example : Use of data to support a resource impact statement for NICE technology appraisal guidance: Avatrombopag for treating thrombocytopenia in people with chronic liver disease needing a planned invasive procedure (TA626)
Output:
Resource impact statement published June 2020: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta626/resources/resource-impact-statement-8776002637
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2018/19 admitted patient care dataset, with a diagnosis of cirrhosis who had a procedure of intravenous blood transfusion of platelets. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
Summary statistics:
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of cirrhosis who went on to receive intravenous blood transfusion of platelets. The data were used alongside clinical expert opinion to inform committee discussion about the resource impact for Avatrombopag.
Published:
The data has not been published. However it informed the resource impact statement on the NICE website and is freely available (see link above).
By using the data to inform committee discussions we were able to come to the conclusion that we did not expect the guidance to have a significant impact on resources; that is, the resource impact of implementing the recommendations would be less than £5 million per year in England (or £9,000 per 100,000 population).
In 2020 we performed 14 HES extracts which informed NICE products and this number will be similar for 2021. These will be used for similar purposes as outlined above as well as resource impact tools as well as directly contributing to economic models for NICE guidance. All outputs will contain only data that is aggregated with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide.
Benefits reported
The following illustrates how NICE uses this data and expects to see similar benefits for future guidance developed by NICE:
Use of data to support a resource impact statement for NICE technology appraisal guidance: Avatrombopag for treating thrombocytopenia in people with chronic liver disease needing a planned invasive procedure (TA626)
Output:
Resource impact statement published June 2020: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta626/resources/resource-impact-statement-8776002637
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2018/19 admitted patient care dataset, with a diagnosis of cirrhosis who had a procedure of intravenous blood transfusion of platelets. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
Summary statistics:
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of cirrhosis who went on to receive intravenous blood transfusion of platelets. The data were used alongside clinical expert opinion to inform committee discussion about the resource impact for Avatrombopag.
Published:
The data has not been published. However it informed the resource impact statement n the NICE website and is freely available (see link above).
By using the data to inform committee discussions we were able to come to the conclusion that we did not expect the guidance to have a significant impact on resources; that is, the resource impact of implementing the recommendations would be less than £5 million per year in England (or £9,000 per 100,000 population).
Benefits:
By establishing that this guidance would not have a significant impact on resources we were able to recommend avatrombopag as a treatment option for thrombocytopenia, with knowledge it would not have significant incremental costs.
The addition of avatrombopag in the treatment pathway may help reduce the need for platelet transfusions. It may also help increase the time in which procedures can be scheduled and reduce hospital stays.
DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v5.4 1 August 2020 to 31 January 2021
- Title
- Access to NHS Digital Portal (formerly HDIS)
- Commercial
- No
- Sublicensing
- No
- Datasets
- 4
- Files released
- 0
Datasets: Hospital Episode Statistics Accident and Emergency (HES A and E); Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC); Hospital Episode Statistics Critical Care (HES Critical Care); Hospital Episode Statistics Outpatients (HES OP)
What changed from DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v4.4
Text removed is struck through; text added is underlined. Unchanged paragraphs are summarised rather than repeated.
| Field | Was | Became |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | 2020-08-01 | |
| End date | 2021-01-31 |
Processing activities
All organisations party to this agreement must comply with the Data Sharing
[11 words unchanged]
that use) by “Personnel” (as defined within the Data Sharing Framework Contract
ie: employees, agents and contractors of the Data Recipient who may have access to that data).
This agreement is for online access to the record level HES database via the NHS Digital Portal/Data Access Environment. A maximum of 5000 records is permitted to be downloaded. The system is hosted and audited by NHS Digital meaning that large transfers of data to on-site servers is reduced and NHS Digital has the ability to audit the use and access to the data.
ie: employees, agents and contractors of the Data Recipient who may have access to that data).
The NHS Digital Portal is a secure method giving access to data sets and associated analytical tools. It is accessed via a secure authentication method to named users. Users are only able to access the data sets detailed within this agreement. Users log onto the portal and are presented with analysis tools which allow them to access the relevant data sets and reference data tables so that they can return appropriate descriptions to the coded data. The access and use of the system is fully auditable and all users must comply with the use of the data as specified in this agreement.
This agreement is for online access to the record level HES database via the NHS Digital Portal/Data Access Environment. A
maximum of 5000 records is permitted to be downloaded. The system is hosted and audited by NHS Digital meaning that large transfers of data to on-site servers is reduced and NHS Digital has the ability to audit the use and access to the data.
The NHS Digital Portal is a secure method giving access to data sets and associated analytical tools. It is accessed via a
secure authentication method to named users. Users are only able to access the data sets detailed within this agreement.
Users log onto the portal and are presented with analysis tools which allow them to access the relevant data sets and
reference data tables so that they can return appropriate descriptions to the coded data. The access and use of the system is fully auditable and all users must comply with the use of the data as specified in this agreement.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
Any record level data extracted from the system will not be processed
[35 words unchanged]
application based on Microsoft IIS. All communication is encrypted using HTTPS and
authentication is required for any file access). Only registered NHS Digital Portal users will have access to record level or aggregate data containing small numbers downloaded from the system. Following completion of the analysis the record level data will be securely destroyed.
authentication is required for any file access).
Only registered NHS Digital Portal users will have access to record level or aggregate data containing small numbers downloaded from the system. Following completion of the analysis the record level data will be securely destroyed.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
Data will only be accessed and processed by substantive employees of the
[11 words unchanged]
accessed or processed by any other third parties not mentioned in this
agreement
agreement.
[2 paragraphs unchanged]
To complete trend analysis NICE require access specifically to the last five
[17 words unchanged]
established and allows NICE to assess the level of need/cost with increased
precision.
The data extracted from the portal is compared to other data sets at a national level (England) e.g. prescribing data in the Innovation Scorecard. No data will be linked to record level patient data and there will be no attempt to re-identify individuals.
precision.
The
majority of the
data extracted from the portal is
compared to other data sets
at a national level (England)
however access
e.g. prescribing data in the Innovation Scorecard. No data will be linked
to
local
record
level
patient
data
(CCG or trust) is sometimes needed when developing resource impact assessment tools or during the scoping of guidance
and there will be no attempt
to
establish if there is variation in practice across the country (England).
re-identify
Access to pseudonymised record level data is essential when considering guidance for rare conditions/diseases, as they often affect very small numbers of people.
individuals. The majority of the data extracted from the portal is at a national level (England) however access to local level data (CCG or
NICE has offices in Manchester and London, and the data extracted from the portal will be stored and accessed using servers based onsite in these locations; each server is a mirror of the other. The security arrangements and policies are the same for both locations. The portal is only accessed by Manchester based staff.
trust) is sometimes needed when developing resource impact assessment tools or during the scoping of guidance to establish if there is variation in practice across the country (England).
Access to pseudonymised record level data is essential when considering guidance for rare conditions/diseases, as they often affect very small numbers of people. NICE has offices in Manchester and London, and the data extracted from the portal will be stored and accessed using servers based onsite in these locations; each server is a mirror of the other. The security arrangements and policies are the same for both locations. The portal is only accessed by Manchester based staff.
[3 paragraphs unchanged]
Expected output
[4 paragraphs unchanged]
The results are provided to teams within NICE responsible for guidance/standard/indicator development. They are also discussed by guidance/indicator developing committees. Key documents used during the development of
guidance/standards are published on NICE’s website. Only data in a format suitable for publication will be presented. These documents are available free of charge to the public.
NICE publishes new guidance throughout the year and so this work is on-going.
guidance/standards are published on NICE’s website. Only data in a format suitable for publication will be presented. These
HES data is also used by NICE’s indicator development team during the development phase. This is work jointly undertaken by NICE and the NHS Digital, and is funded by NHS England. The data are discussed at indicator development committees but only once the small numbers policy has been applied (see above).
documents are available free of charge to the public.
NICE publishes new guidance throughout the year and so this work is on-going. HES data is also used by NICE’s indicator development team during the development phase. This is work jointly undertaken by NICE and the NHS Digital, and is funded by NHS England. The data are discussed at indicator development committees
but only once the small numbers policy has been applied (see above).
[2 paragraphs unchanged]
Example 1: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Renal and ureteric stones: assessment and
management (NG118)
management (NG118)
[2 paragraphs unchanged]
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2016/17 admitted patient care dataset, with a primary
diagnosis of ureteric stones. A further extract was undertaken to establish the proportion of this population who underwent a shockwave lithotripsy procedure. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
diagnosis of ureteric stones. A further extract was undertaken to establish the proportion of this population who
underwent a shockwave lithotripsy procedure. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
[3 paragraphs unchanged]
The resource impact template and report have been published on the NICE website and is freely
available (see link above). The tool contains calculations based on or informed by extracted data.
available.
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for babies born preterm (NG124)
The tool contains calculations based on or informed by extracted data.
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for babies
born preterm (NG124)
[5 paragraphs unchanged]
Published:
Published: The resource impact statement has been published on the NICE website and does not contain any data. The statement is
The resource impact statement has been published on the NICE website and does not contain any data. The statement is freely available (see link above).
freely available (see link above).
[1 paragraph unchanged]
Expected measurable benefits
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The uptake and impact of NICE guidance can be found
here: https://www.nice.org.uk/About/What-we-do/Into-practice/Measuring-the-uptake-of-NICE-guidance. Measuring
on
the
impact of
NICE
guidance is complicated as many other factors also contribute to patient outcomes.
Website https://www.nice.org.uk/About/What-we-do/Intopractice/
Measuring-the-uptake-of-NICE-guidance. Measuring the impact of NICE guidance is complicated as many other factors also contribute to patient outcomes.
NICE uses HES data from the NHS Digital Portal to support the development and implementation of NICE Guidance and Quality Standards in the following ways:-
HES data are used to provide the NHS with information to help
[12 words unchanged]
the data to develop evidence based guidance. The data are used to
understand the population likely to benefit from the introduction of new medicines and technologies.
understand the population likely to benefit from the introduction of new medicines and technologies.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
Example 1: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Renal and ureteric stones: assessment
and management (NG118)
and management (NG118)
[2 paragraphs unchanged]
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2016/17 admitted
[10 words unchanged]
A further extract was undertaken to establish the proportion of this population
who underwent a shockwave lithotripsy procedure. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
who underwent a shockwave lithotripsy procedure. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were
[13 words unchanged]
alongside clinical expert opinion to estimate the number of people undergoing specified
procedures in the future.
procedures in the future.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The resource impact template and report have been published on the NICE website and is freely
available (see link above).
available.
The tool contains calculations based on or informed by extracted data.
[5 paragraphs unchanged]
Benefits reported
To help providers and commissioners implement guidance it is important for them
[13 words unchanged]
HES data was used to estimate the resource impact of putting these
recommendations in place.
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for babies born preterm (NG124)
recommendations in place.
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for
babies born preterm (NG124)
[6 paragraphs unchanged]
The resource impact statement has been published on the NICE website and does not contain any data. The statement is freely
available (see link above).
available.
[4 paragraphs unchanged]
Changed only in punctuation, spacing or capitalisation: Objective for processing.
Objective for processing
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing
evidence-based guidance on health and social care. NICE guidance, standards and other resources help health, public health and social care professionals deliver the best possible care within the resources available.
NICE are requesting access to the NHS Digital Portal to access Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data under Article 6(1)(e) of the GDPR (processing is necessary for the performance of a task in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller) as NICE have a duty as set out in the Health & Social Care Act 2012 to produce guidance.
The Legal basis for processing of personal data relating to patient health is under Article 9(2)(j)of the GDPR - Processing is necessary for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) based on Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject. The data subjects interests and fundamental rights are protected through appropriate minimisation of fields; protection of the data in a secure environment, and guaranteeing secure destruction at any stage at the request of NHS Digital or after a defined period on completion of the project. NICE will process HES data for statistical purposes to help inform the guidance they produce.
There are no moral or ethical issues raised by this data request and the data access/dissemination poses no risk of potential
harm to the public.
Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are used for the following:
- during the scoping of guidance and standards;
- at review; and
- to develop resource impact assessment tools for commissioners/and providers.
The data is used to evaluate activity both prior to and following publication of guidance/standards e.g. when developing guidance or deciding if it should be reviewed.
This data allows NICE to establish current activity levels in the NHS and enables the resource impact of implementing guidance to be established with increased precision. NICE uses HES data during the development of CCG level indicators. This is work jointly completed by NICE and NHS Digital on behalf of NHS England. These indicators provide clear, comparative information about the quality of health services and may be included in national frameworks such as the clinical commissioning group outcomes indicators set (CCG OIS) and
CCG improvement and assessment framework (CCG IAF). These indicators provide comparative information about the quality of health services, associated outcomes and integrated care.
The data is primarily extracted at a national level but local level data may be needed for highly specialised technologies (small numbers of people) or for work associated with the cancer drugs fund.
Data is limited to that required to answer specific questions and only aggregated data with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide is shared for publication.
Data will only be used for purposes relating to the provision of healthcare or the promotion of health in line with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 as amended by the Care Act 2014.
Expected output
The data is being used for the development of guidance/standards that: are independent and authoritative, are based on the best available evidence and set out the best ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and ill health, promote healthy living, and care for vulnerable people.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. HES data are used during guidance development and to produce tools to support its implementation.
Users of the system are able to produce outputs from the system in a number of formats. The system has the ability to be able to produce small row count extracts for local analysis in Excel or other local analysis software.
Users are also able to produce tabulations, aggregations, reports, charts, graphs and statistical outputs for viewing on screen or export to a local system. Any outputs that are produced from the system that are to be published or shared will be small number suppressed outputs in line with the HES analysis guide. Users are not permitted to link data extracted from the system to any other data items which make the data identifiable.
The results are provided to teams within NICE responsible for guidance/standard/indicator development. They are also discussed by guidance/indicator developing committees. Key documents used during the development of
guidance/standards are published on NICE’s website. Only data in a format suitable for publication will be presented. These
documents are available free of charge to the public.
NICE publishes new guidance throughout the year and so this work is on-going. HES data is also used by NICE’s indicator development team during the development phase. This is work jointly undertaken by NICE and the NHS Digital, and is funded by NHS England. The data are discussed at indicator development committees
but only once the small numbers policy has been applied (see above).
Research Impact Assessment Tools explore the costing of NICE recommendations to establish the financial impact on the NHS, Local Authorities and individual providers. These tools help the organisations involved to plan the implementation of evidence based guidance which helps to improve health and social care.
Two examples of specific outputs are given below:
Example 1: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Renal and ureteric stones: assessment and
management (NG118)
Output:
Resource impact template published January 2019: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng118/resources
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2016/17 admitted patient care dataset, with a primary
diagnosis of ureteric stones. A further extract was undertaken to establish the proportion of this population who
underwent a shockwave lithotripsy procedure. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
Summary statistics:
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of ureteric stones. The data were used alongside clinical expert opinion to estimate the number of people undergoing specified procedures in the future.
Published:
The resource impact template and report have been published on the NICE website and is freely available.
The tool contains calculations based on or informed by extracted data.
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for babies
born preterm (NG124)
Output: Resource impact statement published April 2019
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng124/resources
The number of live birth episodes in England, from the 2016/17 admitted patient care and maternity datasets. With a primary or secondary procedure of ventilation and a gestation length of either 24 to 28 weeks or 29 to 32 weeks.
Summary statistics:
At a national level the data were used to observe the level of activity for babies born at a gestational age of between 24-28 weeks and 24-32 weeks and then needing respiratory support before they leave hospital. The extracted data informed the development of the resource impact statement and informed the calculations on the cost of implementing recommendations. The development work, including the extracted data is not routinely published.
Published: The resource impact statement has been published on the NICE website and does not contain any data. The statement is
freely available (see link above).
All outputs will contain only data that is aggregated with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide
Benefits reported
To help providers and commissioners implement guidance it is important for them to understand the impact on resources in doing so. This example shows how HES data was used to estimate the resource impact of putting these
recommendations in place.
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for
babies born preterm (NG124)
Output: Resource impact statement published April 2019
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng124/resources
The number of live birth episodes in England, from the 2016/17 admitted patient care and maternity datasets. With a primary or secondary procedure of ventilation and a gestation length of either 24 to 28 weeks or 29 to 32 weeks.
Summary statistics:
At a national level the data were used to observe the level of activity for babies born at a gestational age of between 24-28 weeks and 24-32 weeks and then needing respiratory support before they leave hospital. The extracted data informed the development of the resource impact statement and informed the calculations on the cost of implementing recommendations. The development work, including the extracted data is not routinely published.
Published:
The resource impact statement has been published on the NICE website and does not contain any data. The statement is freely available.
Benefits:
NICE produces reports, templates and statements alongside published guidance. They detail the potential impact of guidance on finances and other resources (workforce, capacity and demand, infrastructure and training and education). The resource impact statement sets out the implementation of this guidance. It does not expect this guideline to have a significant impact on resources; that is:
• the resource impact of implementing any single guideline recommendation will be less than £1 million per year in England and
• the resource impact of implementing the whole guideline in England will be less than £5 million per year.
DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v4.4 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2020
- Title
- Access to NHS Digital Portal (formerly HDIS)
- Commercial
- No
- Sublicensing
- No
- Datasets
- 4
- Files released
- 0
Datasets: Hospital Episode Statistics Accident and Emergency (HES A and E); Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC); Hospital Episode Statistics Critical Care (HES Critical Care); Hospital Episode Statistics Outpatients (HES OP)
What changed from DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v3.6
Text removed is struck through; text added is underlined. Unchanged paragraphs are summarised rather than repeated.
Processing activities
The NHS Digital Portal is a secure method giving access to datasets and associated analytical tools. It is accessed via a secure authentication method to named users. Users are only able to access the datasets detailed within this agreement. Users log onto the portal and are presented with analysis tools which allow them to access the relevant data sets and reference data tables so that they can return appropriate descriptions to the coded data. The access and use of the system is fully auditable and all users must comply with the use of the data as specified in this agreement.
All organisations party to this agreement must comply with the Data Sharing Framework Contract requirements, including those regarding the use (and purposes of that use) by “Personnel” (as defined within the Data Sharing Framework Contract ie: employees, agents and contractors of the Data Recipient who may have access to that data).
This agreement is for online access to the record level HES database via the NHS Digital Portal/Data Access Environment. A maximum of 5000 records is permitted to be downloaded. The system is hosted and audited by NHS Digital meaning that large transfers of data to on-site servers is reduced and NHS Digital has the ability to audit the use and access to the data.
The NHS Digital Portal is a secure method giving access to data sets and associated analytical tools. It is accessed via a secure authentication method to named users. Users are only able to access the data sets detailed within this agreement. Users log onto the portal and are presented with analysis tools which allow them to access the relevant data sets and reference data tables so that they can return appropriate descriptions to the coded data. The access and use of the system is fully auditable and all users must comply with the use of the data as specified in this agreement.
Users can produce outputs from the system in a number of formats. The system can produce row level extracts for local analysis in local analysis software.
Any record level data extracted from the system will not be processed outside of the analytics team and will be shared with guidance, guideline, indicator and tool developing teams within NICE. The data is shared using a secure distribution method (NICE Share is a HTTPS file sharing application based on Microsoft IIS. All communication is encrypted using HTTPS and authentication is required for any file access). Only registered NHS Digital Portal users will have access to record level or aggregate data containing small numbers downloaded from the system. Following completion of the analysis the record level data will be securely destroyed.
NICE currently has 3 licenses for access to the NHS Digital Portal and have the option to apply for further licenses if required. Approval for additional licences will be managed by the NHS Digital.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
Users are able to produce tabulations, aggregations, reports, charts, graphs and statistical outputs for viewing on screen. They may request these to be downloaded with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide.
The data will be extracted from the portal in an aggregated form and shared with guidance, guideline, indicator and tool developing teams within NICE. The data is shared using a secure distribution method (NICE Share is a HTTPS file sharing application based on Microsoft IIS. All communication is encrypted using HTTPS and authentication is required for any file access).
[1 paragraph unchanged]
All data extracted from the portal
which includes
(including data with
small
numbers
numbers)
are stored in network folders which have restricted access. The portal database and any extracted
aggregated
data
which
(aggregated or that
includes small
numbers
numbers)
will only be accessed using the NICE network through desktop PCs. Any
[10 words unchanged]
a business case and must be encrypted to a minimum of AES25.
[1 paragraph unchanged]
The data extracted from the portal is compared to other
datasets
data sets
at a national level (England) e.g. prescribing data in the Innovation Scorecard.
[7 words unchanged]
level patient data and there will be no attempt to re-identify individuals.
[3 paragraphs unchanged]
Record level data will not be extracted from the database. All extracts taken from the database will be aggregate level which may contain small numbers.
[2 paragraphs unchanged]
All organisations party to this agreement must comply with the Data Sharing Framework Contract requirements, including those regarding the use (and purposes of that use) by “Personnel” (as defined within the Data Sharing Framework Contract ie: employees, agents and contractors of the Data Recipient who may have access to that data).
Users are not permitted to link data extracted from the system to any other data items which make the data identifiable.
Expected output
[25 paragraphs unchanged] All outputs will contain only data that is aggregated with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide
Unchanged: Objective for processing, Expected measurable benefits, Benefits reported.
Objective for processing
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing evidence-based guidance on health and social care. NICE guidance, standards and other resources help health, public health and social care professionals deliver the best possible care within the resources available.
NICE are requesting access to the NHS Digital Portal to access Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data under Article 6(1)(e) of the GDPR (processing is necessary for the performance of a task in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller) as NICE have a duty as set out in the Health & Social Care Act 2012 to produce guidance.
The Legal basis for processing of personal data relating to patient health is under Article 9(2)(j)of the GDPR - Processing is necessary for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) based on Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject. The data subjects interests and fundamental rights are protected through appropriate minimisation of fields; protection of the data in a secure environment, and guaranteeing secure destruction at any stage at the request of NHS Digital or after a defined period on completion of the project. NICE will process HES data for statistical purposes to help inform the guidance they produce.
There are no moral or ethical issues raised by this data request and the data access/dissemination poses no risk of potential harm to the public.
Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are used for the following:
- during the scoping of guidance and standards;
- at review; and
- to develop resource impact assessment tools for commissioners/and providers.
The data is used to evaluate activity both prior to and following publication of guidance/standards e.g. when developing guidance or deciding if it should be reviewed.
This data allows NICE to establish current activity levels in the NHS and enables the resource impact of implementing guidance to be established with increased precision.
NICE uses HES data during the development of CCG level indicators. This is work jointly completed by NICE and NHS Digital on behalf of NHS England. These indicators provide clear, comparative information about the quality of health services and may be included in national frameworks such as the clinical commissioning group outcomes indicators set (CCG OIS) and CCG improvement and assessment framework (CCG IAF). These indicators provide comparative information about the quality of health services, associated outcomes and integrated care.
The data is primarily extracted at a national level but local level data may be needed for highly specialised technologies (small numbers of people) or for work associated with the cancer drugs fund.
Data is limited to that required to answer specific questions and only aggregated data with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide is shared for publication.
Data will only be used for purposes relating to the provision of healthcare or the promotion of health in line with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 as amended by the Care Act 2014.
Expected output
The data is being used for the development of guidance/standards that: are independent and authoritative, are based on the best available evidence and set out the best ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and ill health, promote healthy living, and care for vulnerable people.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. HES data are used during guidance development and to produce tools to support its implementation.
Users of the system are able to produce outputs from the system in a number of formats. The system has the ability to be able to produce small row count extracts for local analysis in Excel or other local analysis software.
Users are also able to produce tabulations, aggregations, reports, charts, graphs and statistical outputs for viewing on screen or export to a local system. Any outputs that are produced from the system that are to be published or shared will be small number suppressed outputs in line with the HES analysis guide. Users are not permitted to link data extracted from the system to any other data items which make the data identifiable.
The results are provided to teams within NICE responsible for guidance/standard/indicator development. They are also discussed by guidance/indicator developing committees. Key documents used during the development of guidance/standards are published on NICE’s website. Only data in a format suitable for publication will be presented. These documents are available free of charge to the public.
NICE publishes new guidance throughout the year and so this work is on-going.
HES data is also used by NICE’s indicator development team during the development phase. This is work jointly undertaken by NICE and the NHS Digital, and is funded by NHS England. The data are discussed at indicator development committees but only once the small numbers policy has been applied (see above).
Research Impact Assessment Tools explore the costing of NICE recommendations to establish the financial impact on the NHS, Local Authorities and individual providers. These tools help the organisations involved to plan the implementation of evidence based guidance which helps to improve health and social care.
Two examples of specific outputs are given below:
Example 1: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Renal and ureteric stones: assessment and management (NG118)
Output:
Resource impact template published January 2019: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng118/resources
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2016/17 admitted patient care dataset, with a primary diagnosis of ureteric stones. A further extract was undertaken to establish the proportion of this population who underwent a shockwave lithotripsy procedure. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
Summary statistics:
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of ureteric stones. The data were used alongside clinical expert opinion to estimate the number of people undergoing specified procedures in the future.
Published:
The resource impact template and report have been published on the NICE website and is freely available (see link above). The tool contains calculations based on or informed by extracted data.
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for babies born preterm (NG124)
Output: Resource impact statement published April 2019
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng124/resources
The number of live birth episodes in England, from the 2016/17 admitted patient care and maternity datasets. With a primary or secondary procedure of ventilation and a gestation length of either 24 to 28 weeks or 29 to 32 weeks.
Summary statistics:
At a national level the data were used to observe the level of activity for babies born at a gestational age of between 24-28 weeks and 24-32 weeks and then needing respiratory support before they leave hospital. The extracted data informed the development of the resource impact statement and informed the calculations on the cost of implementing recommendations. The development work, including the extracted data is not routinely published.
Published:
The resource impact statement has been published on the NICE website and does not contain any data. The statement is freely available (see link above).
All outputs will contain only data that is aggregated with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide
Benefits reported
To help providers and commissioners implement guidance it is important for them to understand the impact on resources in doing so. This example shows how HES data was used to estimate the resource impact of putting these recommendations in place.
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for babies born preterm (NG124)
Output: Resource impact statement published April 2019
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng124/resources
The number of live birth episodes in England, from the 2016/17 admitted patient care and maternity datasets. With a primary or secondary procedure of ventilation and a gestation length of either 24 to 28 weeks or 29 to 32 weeks.
Summary statistics:
At a national level the data were used to observe the level of activity for babies born at a gestational age of between 24-28 weeks and 24-32 weeks and then needing respiratory support before they leave hospital. The extracted data informed the development of the resource impact statement and informed the calculations on the cost of implementing recommendations. The development work, including the extracted data is not routinely published.
Published:
The resource impact statement has been published on the NICE website and does not contain any data. The statement is freely available (see link above).
Benefits:
NICE produces reports, templates and statements alongside published guidance. They detail the potential impact of guidance on finances and other resources (workforce, capacity and demand, infrastructure and training and education). The resource impact statement sets out the implementation of this guidance. It does not expect this guideline to have a significant impact on resources; that is:
• the resource impact of implementing any single guideline recommendation will be less than £1 million per year in England and
• the resource impact of implementing the whole guideline in England will be less than £5 million per year.
DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v3.6 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2020
- Title
- Access to NHS Digital Portal (formerly HDIS)
- Commercial
- No
- Sublicensing
- No
- Datasets
- 4
- Files released
- 0
Datasets: Hospital Episode Statistics Accident and Emergency (HES A and E); Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC); Hospital Episode Statistics Critical Care (HES Critical Care); Hospital Episode Statistics Outpatients (HES OP)
Objective for processing
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing evidence-based guidance on health and social care. NICE guidance, standards and other resources help health, public health and social care professionals deliver the best possible care within the resources available.
NICE are requesting access to the NHS Digital Portal to access Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data under Article 6(1)(e) of the GDPR (processing is necessary for the performance of a task in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller) as NICE have a duty as set out in the Health & Social Care Act 2012 to produce guidance.
The Legal basis for processing of personal data relating to patient health is under Article 9(2)(j)of the GDPR - Processing is necessary for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) based on Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject. The data subjects interests and fundamental rights are protected through appropriate minimisation of fields; protection of the data in a secure environment, and guaranteeing secure destruction at any stage at the request of NHS Digital or after a defined period on completion of the project. NICE will process HES data for statistical purposes to help inform the guidance they produce.
There are no moral or ethical issues raised by this data request and the data access/dissemination poses no risk of potential harm to the public.
Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are used for the following:
- during the scoping of guidance and standards;
- at review; and
- to develop resource impact assessment tools for commissioners/and providers.
The data is used to evaluate activity both prior to and following publication of guidance/standards e.g. when developing guidance or deciding if it should be reviewed.
This data allows NICE to establish current activity levels in the NHS and enables the resource impact of implementing guidance to be established with increased precision.
NICE uses HES data during the development of CCG level indicators. This is work jointly completed by NICE and NHS Digital on behalf of NHS England. These indicators provide clear, comparative information about the quality of health services and may be included in national frameworks such as the clinical commissioning group outcomes indicators set (CCG OIS) and CCG improvement and assessment framework (CCG IAF). These indicators provide comparative information about the quality of health services, associated outcomes and integrated care.
The data is primarily extracted at a national level but local level data may be needed for highly specialised technologies (small numbers of people) or for work associated with the cancer drugs fund.
Data is limited to that required to answer specific questions and only aggregated data with small numbers suppressed in line with the HES Analysis Guide is shared for publication.
Data will only be used for purposes relating to the provision of healthcare or the promotion of health in line with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 as amended by the Care Act 2014.
Expected output
The data is being used for the development of guidance/standards that: are independent and authoritative, are based on the best available evidence and set out the best ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and ill health, promote healthy living, and care for vulnerable people.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. HES data are used during guidance development and to produce tools to support its implementation.
Users of the system are able to produce outputs from the system in a number of formats. The system has the ability to be able to produce small row count extracts for local analysis in Excel or other local analysis software.
Users are also able to produce tabulations, aggregations, reports, charts, graphs and statistical outputs for viewing on screen or export to a local system. Any outputs that are produced from the system that are to be published or shared will be small number suppressed outputs in line with the HES analysis guide. Users are not permitted to link data extracted from the system to any other data items which make the data identifiable.
The results are provided to teams within NICE responsible for guidance/standard/indicator development. They are also discussed by guidance/indicator developing committees. Key documents used during the development of guidance/standards are published on NICE’s website. Only data in a format suitable for publication will be presented. These documents are available free of charge to the public.
NICE publishes new guidance throughout the year and so this work is on-going.
HES data is also used by NICE’s indicator development team during the development phase. This is work jointly undertaken by NICE and the NHS Digital, and is funded by NHS England. The data are discussed at indicator development committees but only once the small numbers policy has been applied (see above).
Research Impact Assessment Tools explore the costing of NICE recommendations to establish the financial impact on the NHS, Local Authorities and individual providers. These tools help the organisations involved to plan the implementation of evidence based guidance which helps to improve health and social care.
Two examples of specific outputs are given below:
Example 1: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Renal and ureteric stones: assessment and management (NG118)
Output:
Resource impact template published January 2019: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng118/resources
The number of finished consultant episodes in England, in the 2016/17 admitted patient care dataset, with a primary diagnosis of ureteric stones. A further extract was undertaken to establish the proportion of this population who underwent a shockwave lithotripsy procedure. The populations were limited to people aged 18 and over.
Summary statistics:
The data were used to assess the number of adults who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of ureteric stones. The data were used alongside clinical expert opinion to estimate the number of people undergoing specified procedures in the future.
Published:
The resource impact template and report have been published on the NICE website and is freely available (see link above). The tool contains calculations based on or informed by extracted data.
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for babies born preterm (NG124)
Output: Resource impact statement published April 2019
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng124/resources
The number of live birth episodes in England, from the 2016/17 admitted patient care and maternity datasets. With a primary or secondary procedure of ventilation and a gestation length of either 24 to 28 weeks or 29 to 32 weeks.
Summary statistics:
At a national level the data were used to observe the level of activity for babies born at a gestational age of between 24-28 weeks and 24-32 weeks and then needing respiratory support before they leave hospital. The extracted data informed the development of the resource impact statement and informed the calculations on the cost of implementing recommendations. The development work, including the extracted data is not routinely published.
Published:
The resource impact statement has been published on the NICE website and does not contain any data. The statement is freely available (see link above).
Benefits reported
To help providers and commissioners implement guidance it is important for them to understand the impact on resources in doing so. This example shows how HES data was used to estimate the resource impact of putting these recommendations in place.
Example 2: Use of data to support implementation tools for NICE guideline: Specialist neonatal respiratory care for babies born preterm (NG124)
Output: Resource impact statement published April 2019
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng124/resources
The number of live birth episodes in England, from the 2016/17 admitted patient care and maternity datasets. With a primary or secondary procedure of ventilation and a gestation length of either 24 to 28 weeks or 29 to 32 weeks.
Summary statistics:
At a national level the data were used to observe the level of activity for babies born at a gestational age of between 24-28 weeks and 24-32 weeks and then needing respiratory support before they leave hospital. The extracted data informed the development of the resource impact statement and informed the calculations on the cost of implementing recommendations. The development work, including the extracted data is not routinely published.
Published:
The resource impact statement has been published on the NICE website and does not contain any data. The statement is freely available (see link above).
Benefits:
NICE produces reports, templates and statements alongside published guidance. They detail the potential impact of guidance on finances and other resources (workforce, capacity and demand, infrastructure and training and education). The resource impact statement sets out the implementation of this guidance. It does not expect this guideline to have a significant impact on resources; that is:
• the resource impact of implementing any single guideline recommendation will be less than £1 million per year in England and
• the resource impact of implementing the whole guideline in England will be less than £5 million per year.
Register history
When this agreement appeared in, or was edited in, each monthly edition of the register. Built by comparing every edition this site holds, the earliest of which is July 2021.
-
July 2021 —
already listed in the earliest edition this site holds, so it may be older. 4 versions: DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v3.6, DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v4.4, DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v5.4, DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v6.4
-
February 2022
1 version added: DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v7.2
-
March 2022
1 version added: DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v8.2
-
December 2022
Register-wide edit DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v3.6, DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v4.4, DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F-v5.4 — Datasets: legal basis: “
s261(1) and” taken out. Made to 639 agreements in this edition, so it is reported once, on the changes page, and not counted as an amendment of this agreement.
Cite this page
NHS England (2026) Data Uses Register, September 2026 edition, agreement DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F, “Access to NHS Digital Portal (formerly HDIS)”. Read via NHS Data Access Explorer (unofficial), https://healthdatauses.uk/agreements/dars-nic-11302-q1l1f/ (accessed [date]).
This address stays the same, but the page is rebuilt with each monthly edition, so the citation names the edition it shows. Every edition's data is kept in the facts store.
Source: datausesregister_september2026.xlsx, September 2026 edition of the NHS England Data Uses Register. Search that workbook for DARS-NIC-11302-Q1L1F to see the original rows.