Blog | Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science

23 Nov 2022

Difference between BNF, dm+d and SNOMED CT codes

What is the difference between BNF, dm+d and SNOMED CT codes? At the time of writing there are three coding systems in use on OpenCodelists where you may see medicines available. In this blog, one of our resident pharmacists Brian MacKenna sets out some brief information on how we currently build medicines* codelists on OpenSAFELY. Very briefly, we build and agree our codelist using the pseudoBNF coding system and convert this to dm+d for use in study definitions.

31 Oct 2022

First Impressions of the EU CTIS Registry

The Clinical Trial Information System (CTIS) is the European Union’s new registry set to fully replace the existing EU Clinical Trials Registry next year. Since launching in January 2022, the CTIS has been in a transition phase in which sponsors can either choose to register there or on the old EUCTR; starting in 2023, all new trials should end up on the CTIS. As someone who thinks a lot about clinical trial registries, and their utility as sources of information, I decided to take a spin through the registry and record some of my initial thoughts.

5 Oct 2022

Making TREs the default across the NHS: A first step

In June 2022, the NHS published its new data strategy Data Saves Lives. The strategy is a broad ranging document, covering seven ‘key areas’.

12 Sep 2022

National Data Guardian report cites and reinforces Bennett Institute work on building public trust in use of data for research

Building a strong case for the broader adoption and use of Trusted Research Environments across the NHS.

27 Jul 2022

Bennett Insights: An Overview of UK Data Policy Developments

An overview of the UK Government’s nine data policy documents published April - July 2022.

4 Jul 2022

OpenPrescribing June 2022 Newsletter

Our latest newsletter including information on: Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, we are recruiting, Goldacre Review, updated Outlier Dashboards, recent changes to OpenPrescribing Measures, OpenSAFELY news, and new data news.

3 Jun 2022

Better, Broader, Safer Uses of Data Help Data Saves Lives

Today the NHS has published the final version of it’s “Data Saves Lives” strategy, setting out its key commitments in seven key areas

12 Apr 2022

Identifying outlier prescribing behaviour: how is your practice unusual?

We have a new tool available at OpenPrescribing: our outlier prescribing dashboards will show you what your favourite CCG, PCN, STP or practice are prescribing more (or less) than everyone else. Read more about how it works and how to use it here.

8 Apr 2022

Goldacre Review outlines how to achieve better, broader, and safer use of health data for research and analysis

Over the past year Ben and our policy lead Jess, have conducted interviews with over 300 individuals, held 8 open focus groups, reviewed over 100 written submissions, and conducted extensive desk research, to reach the conclusions that were published yesterday in the Goldacre Review.