Care Information Choices

Data on patient opt-out information received from GP Practices.

There are two types of opt-out:

• A type 1 opt-out prevents information being shared outside a GP practice for purposes other than direct care.

• A type 2 opt-out prevents information being shared outside of the HSCIC for purposes beyond the individual's direct care.

A more detailed description of opt-outs is available from the HSCIC website

Type 1 and type 2 opts-outs are presented at GP practice level. Type 1 opt-outs are reported as instances (i.e. number of times the opt-out code occurs within GP records, which may include the same patient recorded at more than one practice) and there is no way to de-duplicate this information.

Levels of type 1 opt-outs are therefore likely to be higher than levels of type 2 opt-outs, which are de-duplicated.