Research, consultations and audits
Research
We undertake research and carry out surveys on a range of topics to support our regulatory functions related to registration, fitness to practise, and medical education and training.
We generate statistical data based on the information we hold, for example GMC Data Explorer.
We conduct research internally or partner with third parties. Collaboration with third party research organisations may be funded by the GMC.
UKMED
Why we hold it
The UK Medical Education Database (UKMED) provides a platform for collating data on the performance of UK medical students and trainee doctors across their education and career. The aim of UKMED is to raise standards in medical education through a high-quality database which can improve our understanding of training pathways and support robust research into students’ and doctors’ progress and the assessment hurdles at each point on the pathway. Research into medical education and training using UKMED supports the GMC’s regulatory role in medical education as set out in the Medical Act 1983. We do not use UKMED data to make decisions about a doctor’s registration or fitness to practise.
What we hold
In addition to data held by the GMC, we also obtain data from third parties to enable research into medical education as part of the UKMED project. The data within UKMED are described in the UKMED data dictionary. The data providers include but are not limited to UCAS, test providers, the Higher Education Statistical Authority, medical schools, deaneries and the UK Foundation Programme Office. More information about the data we hold and how we use it us available on the UKMED website.
How we share data for research purposes
We share personal data with researchers if it is necessary to do so. We only share what is necessary for the research, using secure methods. Where possible we provide researchers with anonymised or pseudonymised data for research purposes. UKMED research data is always pseudonymised.
When we publish research or statistics we apply disclosure controls to make sure individuals can't be identified from the data.
National training survey
Why we hold it
The Medical Act 1983 requires us to monitor and report on the standard of medical training in the UK.
The survey helps us make sure that doctors in training receive high quality training in a safe and effective clinical environment and trainers are well supported in their role.
We also use the national training surveys to support research into medical training.
What we hold
On an annual basis we issue the national training surveys to doctors in training and their trainers. We hold the answers they give us about their experience of postgraduate training.
How we share it
We've published a confidentiality statement about national training surveys data that explains this in more detail.
Consultations and forums
We run consultations on a range of topics and facilitate advisory forums related to our regulatory functions. Although we have a legitimate interest to contact relevant cohorts, they can opt out at any time by letting us know.
Why we hold it
We hold this information so that we can conduct research and analysis of the responses and keep in touch with respondents about the outcome of the consultation.
What we hold
We ask respondents for their email addresses so that we can confirm registration on our consultation site, contact them if they forget their password and let them know about any upcoming consultations that are in line with their interests, where they have asked us to do so. As part of the consultation analysis process, we process the names and contact information of respondents, as well as their answers.
How we share it
At the end of the consultation process, we will publish reports explaining our findings and conclusions. We won’t include any personally identifiable information in these reports but may include illustrative quotes from consultation responses. We may also supply responses to third parties for quality assurance or to approved research projects, which are anonymised before disclosure where possible.
Audit
Why we hold it
We may share personal data for audit purposes to ensure that we are carrying out our functions in a fair, consistent, and robust way. We conduct audits internally or commission them with independent organisations.
What we hold
The personal data which we use to carry out our regulatory functions can also be used for audit purposes. This includes registration information, demographic information, employment and fitness to practise history, and details of complaints.
How we share it
We share personal data with auditors when it is necessary to do so. We only share what is necessary for the audit, using secure methods. When we publish audit reports or statistics, we apply disclosure controls to make sure individuals can't be identified from the data.
