The challenges and opportunities of mental health data sharing in the UK

Abstract

The UK’s National Health Service generates uniquely rich data that should be rapidly deployed for policy and service improvement, yet researchers report difficulties in accessing these and some cohort and survey data. Paradoxically, this is occurring at the same time as the “Open science” movement encourages data sharing to improve the rigour, transparency, and replicability of research. We describe the urgency of improvements to access and propose solutions from a mental health research perspective, although the issues discussed extend to all areas in which analysis and linkage of health data support policy and practice. Actions are needed at every level; from data users, data custodians, and government.