Researchers need access to NHS data for effective redesign of clinical pathways

Sood and colleagues argue for clinical informatics leaders in NHS organisations to accelerate the development of digitally enhanced models of care. 1 We think that safe and effective redesign of clinical pathways and better use of health data requires not just digital leadership but also academic involvement. Rigorous analyses of healthcare databases require knowledge of frontline services and expertise in data science and statistics, which are best provided by a team with safe and accountable access to data.