Sub-licensing

Why is it important?

Sub-licensing is the process by which the ICB shares the joined commissioning datasets, local flows and GP data with it’s partners across the Integrated Care System.

This is important because it enables our partners across the ICS to collaborate more effectively in improving services for the population. In a region like South Yorkshire, where health inequalities can vary significantly between communities, having access to linked data from various sectors—such as hospitals, GPs, and social care providers—is crucial for gaining a complete understanding of patient needs and service gaps.

By sharing de-identified data, the ICB allows partners to use the same information for service planning, improving care coordination, and addressing public health issues in a more unified way. Sub-licensing also ensures that smaller organisations, like local councils or voluntary groups, have access to important insights without directly handling sensitive patient data.

Ultimately, this process leads to a more integrated and efficient healthcare system that can better allocate resources and improve patient outcomes.

How will it be done?

The process of sub-licensing will be implemented through formal agreements that enable the sharing of linked de-identified data among partner organisations. These agreements, known as a data sharing agreement, adhere to strict legal and ethical guidelines, ensuring the utmost protection of individuals' privacy and confidentiality.

Partner organisations looking to receive data under sub-licensing arrangements will have to meet certain conditions, like keeping their registration with the Information Commissioners Office current, submitting a standards met annual Data Security and Protection Toolkit and providing fair processing / transparency information to their service users.

To safeguard personal information, the data will undergo a process known as pseudonymisation. This means that any identifiable information, such as names and addresses, will be removed or replaced with unique identifiers. This ensures that individuals cannot be identified through the data, allowing for its safe use in analysis and planning without compromising patient privacy.

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) will play a pivotal role in overseeing the data-sharing process. This oversight will include the establishment of clear protocols for data access and usage, ensuring that all partner organisations comply with the NHS England’s Data Sharing Framework, the Data Protection Act 2018, and any other relevant data protection regulations.

For partners to receive patient level pseudonymised data sets for their own analysis, they will have to submit an application to the ICB, explaining the data needed, cohorts of patients to be included, the purposes and justification for the work they want to do and why that data is necessary. All of which will be considered by a sub-licensing board – at a minimum this approvals group will consist of the ICB’s Caldicott Guardian, a board level Chief Clinical Information Officer (CCIO) and engagement from the community in the form of a public representative.

The ICB will implement regular audits and assessments to monitor compliance with these guidelines and evaluate the effectiveness of the data-sharing arrangements. Training and resources will also be provided to partner organisations to ensure that all parties involved understand their responsibilities regarding data handling, privacy protection, and ethical use of information. This comprehensive approach will foster a culture of accountability and trust, ensuring that the data is used responsibly and effectively for the benefit of the community.

What will be the outcomes?

The implementation of sub-licensing within the Integrated Care System (ICS) is set to yield significant and transformative outcomes that will enhance the overall healthcare landscape.

• Enhanced Integrated Healthcare System: Sub-licensing will facilitate a more cohesive healthcare system by breaking down silos between various organisations. This integration will enable a seamless flow of information, allowing healthcare providers to collaborate more effectively. As a result, patient care will become more coordinated, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive and timely interventions tailored to their specific needs.
• Improved Resource Allocation: By providing a comprehensive view of patient needs across different organisations, sub-licensing will lead to more informed decision-making regarding resource allocation. The ability to analyse linked datasets will help identify areas where resources are most needed, allowing for targeted investments and interventions that address the unique challenges faced by diverse communities within South Yorkshire.
• Data-Driven Service Planning and Re-Design: With access to de-identified, linked data, partner organisations will be empowered to engage in evidence-based planning and service re-design. The insights gained from this data will support initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services and filling service gaps, ultimately leading to enhanced quality of care for patients.
• Targeted Interventions to Reduce Health Inequalities: One of the critical outcomes of sub-licensing is its potential to reduce health inequalities prevalent in South Yorkshire. By enabling all partners to access and analyse comprehensive datasets, the ICS can identify specific health disparities and implement targeted interventions designed to address the unique needs of underserved populations.
• Strengthened Community Engagement: Sub-licensing will not only benefit healthcare providers but also empower local councils and voluntary groups with vital data insights. This access will enable these smaller organisations to participate more actively in community health initiatives and service improvements, ensuring that the voices and needs of local populations are considered in the planning process.
• Greater Accountability and Transparency: The establishment of rigorous data-sharing agreements and oversight mechanisms will foster a culture of accountability and transparency within the ICS. Regular audits and assessments will ensure compliance with data protection regulations, thereby enhancing trust among patients and stakeholders regarding the responsible use of their data.
• Continuous Improvement in Patient Outcomes: Ultimately, the combination of enhanced collaboration, improved resource allocation, and targeted interventions will lead to measurable improvements in patient outcomes. By ensuring that healthcare services are responsive to the specific needs of the population, the ICB aims to elevate the standard of care and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

Sub-licensing represents a pivotal step towards achieving a more integrated, equitable, and efficient healthcare system in South Yorkshire. By harnessing the power of linked data, the ICS can facilitate a holistic approach to healthcare that prioritises patient needs and drives positive change across the entire region.