Public Consultation on Draft National Standard for a Demographic Dataset for Health and Social Care

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HIQA is currently undertaking a programme of work to set a number of health information standards. The aim of a health information standard is to standardise the collection and recording of health information so that it can be shared in the most effective way possible in order to ensure a high-quality, safe service. This standardised approach promotes safety and progressive quality improvements in the health and social care environment and promotes the safety of people using services.

As part of our programme of work, we are revising the National Standard for a Demographic Dataset for Health and Social Care (Version 2 of this standard was published in 2016). A National Standard for a Demographic Dataset defines the core set of data elements required to identify an individual uniquely, in order to provide safe, quality care and support. The standard applies to individuals of any age (children and adults) who are receiving care and treatment in a health and social care service that collects and records demographic details. Examples of data elements comprising a demographic dataset include forename, surname and date of birth. 

The aim of this consultation is to gain feedback on the collection and recording of demographic data from people with experience of 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.

HIQA has undertaken a review of evidence and convened a Standards Working Group to inform the development of the draft standard, and is now holding a public consultation. The consultation period will last until 25 July 2025.

The public consultation gives people the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft standard and become involved in the development process by submitting their views to us. 

Interested parties are asked to review the draft standard and submit any comments or additional information that maybe relevant to the standard.

The easiest way to provide feedback is to complete the online questionnaire.

Alternatively, you can complete a PDF or Word version of the consultation form available below, and e-mail the completed form to: HIST@hiqa.ie. 

Or send by post to:

Health Information Standards Team,
Health Information and Standards  Directorate,
Health Information and Quality Authority,
George's Court, 
George's Lane, 
Smithfield, Dublin 7
D07 E98Y 

The deadline for receipt of submissions is 5pm on Friday 25 July 2025.

After the closing date, HIQA will assess all feedback, and comments will be collated which will inform the revision of the draft standard, as appropriate. HIQA will also be running focus groups targeting stakeholders including patient partners with experience of demographic health data to further inform the revision of this standard.

More details can be found in the following press release.

Complete the online questionnaire