Data has been central to dealing with the pandemic. That’s been true at a national level, but it’s also been true within individual NHS organisations. Many leaders have reported improved connections across organisational boundaries, supported in part by better information sharing.

Researchers, meanwhile, have proved that easier access to large datasets can lead to rapid breakthroughs in care.

But there have been barriers to overcome, and the barriers remains. In the NHS’s mass of software systems – both within and between organisations – it has not traditionally been straightforward to gain a consolidated view of all relevant information.

Matt Hancock has recently spoken of wanting to create a consistent platform for patient data, separate to the individual applications in which such data is collected. The impending statutory basis for integrated care systems will bring organisations together in a more formal structure – with associated information-sharing needs. And an aim for all areas to have a shared care record in place by September remains.

So what will need to happen if such visions are to become reality? How can the service ensure that healthcare leaders always have the information they need to make the right decisions at the right time? What benefits would stem from a platform which gathers all patient data in the same place? How can organisations marshal their existing resources to deliver a consolidated view of data? Has covid led to a permanent shift in how the NHS approaches the use of data?

This HSJ webinar, run in association with Better, brought together a small panel of experts to discuss these important issues.