Our research
M-RIC access to data

For the Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre (M-RIC) to be successful, we need a new way of storing data and information.

This can help us:

  • understand and solve problems in mental healthcare
  • make it easier for people using mental health services to join research trials of new treatments
  • support partners to locate the right people to take part in trials.

Our M-RIC access to data work package (formerly known as Combined Intelligence for Translational Health Research) aims to address these needs and provide a technology “backbone” for M-RIC using a secure data environment.

It will provide a safe place for storing data and information. It will also provide the “engine” for data analytics so we can access, link and examine data securely.

What does our secure data environment do?

It will collect and organise research-ready data from different sources such as shared care records and mental health clinical notes. This will provide us with new ways of understanding mental health difficulties, including patterns of behaviour and symptoms that traditional diagnoses might miss.

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How will it link in with other systems?

It builds on existing NHS systems and is managed by the Civic Data Cooperative, a programme funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) to establish the relationships, infrastructure and governance required to ensure the trustworthy use of data.

We are also working closely with the public sector, business and academic organisations, including System P and Combined Intelligence for Population Health Action (CIPHA).

Providing the “engine” for data analytics

Building a trustworthy research environment

Gary Leeming, M-RIC Chief Technology Officer, describes the opportunities provided through the creation of a unique, trusted research environment.

Where can I find out more and how can I get involved?

We welcome involvement and interest from service users, members of the public, healthcare, academia, the third sector and industry in our research. To find out more visit our get involved page or contact us.

Making it easier for people using mental health services to join research trials