QResearch – Easy Read Information for Patients
For patients registered with an NHS GP practice in England
This leaflet explains how information from GP records is used for QResearch. It is written in easy read style and includes simple icons to help understanding.
📘 What is this leaflet about?
This leaflet explains how your GP information may be used in a research project called QResearch.
💡 1. What is QResearch?
QResearch is a large research database.
It is used to help improve healthcare and treatments for patients.
It is run with: - Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) - GP practices that use EMIS or TPP computer systems
Information is taken safely from the GP surgery computer systems and put into the QResearch database.
🔒 2. What information is taken from your GP system?
When the data is first taken, some personal details are used only to link records safely, such as: - Your name - Your NHS number - Your date of birth - Your postcode
This is done securely through an NHS system.
Then: ✅ Your personal details are removed
✅ Your data is made anonymous
✅ You cannot be identified from the information kept in QResearch
Only coded medical information is kept, such as: - Diagnoses - Blood pressure readings - Prescriptions
❌ Free-text notes written by your GP (full sentences) are not taken.
🧪 3. How is this information used?
Your anonymous information is used to: - Study patterns of illness - Compare different medicines and treatments - Improve early detection of disease - Improve patient safety
Examples of tools created using QResearch: - QRISK – predicts risk of heart attack or stroke - QCancer – helps doctors find cancer earlier - QDiabetes – helps identify people at higher risk from getting diabetes
🚫 Your information is never used for insurance or marketing.
🧩 4. Is my information linked to other records?
Your anonymous GP data may be safely linked to: - Hospital records - Cancer registration records - COVID-19 vaccination records - Birth and death records
This is done securely.
You still cannot be identified from the information held in QResearch.
✅ 5. Can I choose not to take part?
Yes. You can choose for your data not to be used.
You can opt out in two ways: 1. Use the National Data Opt-Out 2. Ask your GP to add a Type 1 Opt-Out
If you opt out, your data will not be included in QResearch in the future.
👥 6. How many people are included?
Data comes from around 1,500 GP practices in the UK.
The database includes information from over 35 million people over the last 25 years.
📊 🔍 7. How is the data shared with researchers?
Only approved researchers can use QResearch data.
They: - Work at UK universities - Include medically qualified doctors - Only receive anonymous information - Do not receive your name, address, or NHS number
The information is shared in safe tables and reports.
🛡️ 8. Who runs and checks QResearch?
QResearch is managed by senior researchers at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).
It also has an Advisory Board made up of: - Medical professionals - Patient representatives
The Board makes sure the work is: - Safe - Ethical - In the public interest
💷 9. Why do organisations pay to use QResearch?
Researchers pay to cover the real costs of running the service, such as: - Staff time - Secure computer systems - Data extraction and support
QResearch is not for profit. Money only covers real costs.
☎️ 10. Where can I get more information or ask questions?
Website: www.qresearch.org
Email: [email protected]
If you have concerns about your data: Data Protection Officer (QMUL)
Email: [email protected]
You can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): Phone: 0303 123 1113
Website: www.ico.org.uk
⚖️ 11. Why is this allowed by law?
QResearch can use information because: - It is for public health research - It follows UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 - It is supported under Section 251 of the NHS Act 2006.
📝 Quick summary
- Your GP information may be used for health research
- Your identity is removed and kept safe
- The research helps improve healthcare and treatments
- You can choose to opt out at any time
Last updated 24.11.2025