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CRIS (Clinical Record Interactive Search) easy read leaflet

 

Computer

What is CRIS?

CRIS stands for Clinical Record Interactive Search. CRIS is a secure computer system. It helps researchers use information from NHS health records for research.

Research

What is research?

Research is when we learn how to keep people healthy and treat illnesses better. It helps doctors and nurses learn what works well. This is so they can give people the best care.

Before information is used, CRIS removes or hides details that could identify you, such as your name or address. This means researchers cannot tell who the information belongs to.

Data protection

 Before information is used, CRIS removes or hides details that could identify you, such as your name or address. This means researchers cannot tell who the information belongs to.

How could we make it better

CRIS allows researchers to look at health information from many people.

This helps them find patterns, such as:

  • Which treatments work well
  • Which treatments may not work as well

Care

How care can be improved

Using CRIS supports important mental health research. CRIS helps the Trust improve services and treatments while keeping your information safe and private.

Nurse writing notes at a desk

How is my personal information protected?

CRIS removes or hides information that could identify you. This process is called de-identification.

Rules

 All information in CRIS is protected by strict security measures and legal safeguards.

Information

 Mental health records often include detailed notes written by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff. These notes can be difficult to use in research.

Information kept safe

To help with this, we use artificial intelligence (AI) in a secure environment.

AI is computer technology that can learn from information and help people do tasks. It can spot patterns, answer questions, and make jobs easier.

Data

The AI organises information from these notes into simple formats that researchers can analyse more easily. Researchers only see de-identified information and do not have access to your private details.

Choice

I do not want my information used. What can I do?

You can choose whether your confidential health information is used for research and planning. This includes information used in CRIS.

You can change your decision at any time.

Online form

To opt out you can:

Use the National Data Opt-Out service website: https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/

 

Mobile phone

Use the NHS App: Go to Your Health and select Choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning

By phone: Call the helpline on 0300 303 5678 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm but not on bank holidays).

By post

By post: Write a letter and send it by post to the National Data Opt Out Contact Centre, NHS England, Freepost PO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT.

You can opt out at any time.

Note: This page uses easy read icons from 'easy on the i' image bank — it was made by the information design service within the Learning Disability Service at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.