This page gives you access to our current and recent dataset consultations, with relevant background documents available for download. Printed copies of the documents are available if required, please contact us via enquiries@ic.nhs.uk.

Links to current and recent consultations

• Cancer Services and Outcomes Data Set (COSD). This consultation closed on 31 March 2011.

When a dataset is open for consultation we seek feedback on a range of areas, including whether:

• there are any ambiguities in the dataset
• the defined values and definitions are complete
• you have identified any particular omissions that you feel should be included.

How to read the dataset

Each dataset is derived from business and information requirements, these are published here as part of the consultation resources. They encompass the relevant policies (such as National Service Frameworks) and will provide you with information to put the requirement for the dataset items in context.

The dataset file contains the data items, a description for each item, how it is defined and the permissible values. Within the definition of items for secondary uses, you will see how they are derived from items held in the clinical care record. The majority of these items are already recorded, and, as part of the consultation.

We need your help

We are interested to hear from you about the systems that you use and how readily these items could be collected for use. The datasets can be large documents and you may wish to comment on the whole dataset or particular sections, according to your area of interest.

How to respond

To respond to any of our consultations, please download the relevant documents and then send your comments using the Consultation Feedback Form.

Please return the form to datasets@ic.nhs.uk stating the name of the enquiries that you are commenting on in the subject line.

We would also welcome feedback indicating support for the enquiries, even if you have no specific comments or questions to raise.

If you have any questions, or wish to be kept up to date with the progress of particular projects, you may contact us via datasets@ic.nhs.uk or through our contact centre.

We look forward to hearing from you.