HIQA has today launched a public consultation inviting feedback on the draft National Standard for a Demographic Dataset for Health and Social Care. This standard, which was originally published in 2013 and updated in 2016, is currently being revised in response to developments in the health information landscape.

The aim of the National Standard for a Demographic Dataset is to define the core set of data elements required to identify an individual uniquely, in order to provide safe quality care and support and applies to individuals of any age who are receiving care and treatment in a health and social care service that collects and records demographic details.

Examples of data elements making up a demographic dataset include forename, surname and date of birth. A standard demographic dataset enables the recording of more accurate and consistent data which improves the reliability of information to support decision-making.

Having undertaken a review of evidence and convened a working group to inform the revision of the draft standard, HIQA is now holding a six-week public consultation seeking feedback on the data elements proposed in the draft standard.

The public consultation welcomes feedback from people using health and social care services, their families and carers, as well as staff working in the health and social care sector, IT health systems, advocates, researchers and policy-makers.

All feedback received will be carefully assessed and used to help inform the revision of the Draft National Standard for a Demographic Dataset for Health and Social Care.

Participants can share feedback through the online questionnaire or by downloading a feedback form and emailing completed forms to HIST@hiqa.ie. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday 25 July 2025.

Commenting on the launch of the public consultation, Rachel Flynn, Director of Health Information and Standards at HIQA, said:

“As people move between health and social care services, it is vital to collect data about them in a standardised way. Good-quality health information that is accurate, relevant and timely is critical to providing safer better care.

“People using services should always be at the centre of their care, with the delivery of those services being informed by their views and experiences. We look forward to welcoming feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders engaging with this public consultation to help drive improvements in how we collect data to make informed decisions.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Caoimhe O’Connell, Communications Manager
087 639 5916 | caoconnell@hiqa.ie 

Notes to Editor:

• The Health Act sets out HIQA’s relevant legislative remit in respect of health information. As set out in Section 8(1) of the act, HIQA has responsibility for setting standards for all aspects of health information and monitoring compliance against those standards.
• There have been significant changes in the health information landscape at both National and European level. The establishment of a European Health Data Space (EHDS), places a strong emphasis on the easier exchange and re-use of health information for the public good. The Health Information Bill, published in 2024, provides for the creation of Digital Health Records for every patient in Ireland. These developments will place additional requirements on organisations to manage information appropriately. Health information standards are fundamental to supporting standardisation in the collection and recording of health information to support the move from paper-based to digital systems. This means that health information can be shared in the most effective way possible in order to ensure a high quality, safe service.
• A wide range of stakeholders benefit from having a standardised demographic dataset in place, including people who use our health and social services, healthcare practitioners, healthcare organisations and service planners. A standard demographic dataset assists in service user identification, therefore preventing duplication or misidentification errors, and less duplication of testing and prescribing, resulting in time, administration and cost savings.