Topic
Biological and health data
The collection, linking and use of data in biomedical research and health care: ethical issues
Report
Published 03/02/2015
We are generating more data about people’s health and biology than ever before. Combined with advances in IT and data science, this offers significant opportunities to generate new knowledge and improve medical practice; but it also raises concerns about individuals’ privacy.
This report looks at the ethical issues raised by data use in biomedical research and health care. It sets out key ethical principles for the design and governance of data initiatives, and identifies examples of good practice relevant to anyone approaching a data initiative.
The report calls for greater transparency about how people’s data are used, and recommends the introduction of criminal penalties in the UK for the misuse of data.
