What is the purpose of GPIP?
GPIP has two overarching objectives.
The first is to provide analytical support to GPs by supplying information through interactive dashboards that offer patient lists and views designed to enhance existing clinical systems.
The second is to deliver data and analysis for wider use, including the provision of aggregated and anonymised data sets to health and social care stakeholders to support policy development, service planning and research.
What data is currently held on GPIP?
- 2 million patient registrations.
- 2.2 Billion rows of data, 1.5 Billion observations and 748 Million medication records.
- 4.2 Terabytes of data.
- 24 Disease Registers
When was GPIP launched?
GPIP was formally initiated in February 2018, with sponsorship secured through the eHealth and Data Analytics Dementia Pathfinder Programme, also known as Dementia Phase 2. Recognising that general practices are essential stakeholders whose engagement is critical to the project’s overall success, the programme established strong clinical and operational support early on. Under the sponsorship of Dr Margaret O’Brien, Head of General Medical Sciences within the Strategic Planning and Performance Group, the project progressed through approval processes and was officially endorsed and launched in May 2018, setting the foundation for its subsequent development and implementation.
Since its launch, GPIP has developed into a versatile platform capable of carrying out complex analysis to quickly address a wide range of clinical and operational questions. For example, it can identify patients who may be at risk due to prescribed medications, and it provides weekly analysis of patients presenting with flu‑like illness or acute respiratory infections.
GPIP has supported nMABS‑related work by identifying suitable patients within each practice, removing the need for staff to build time‑consuming and complex searches. It also offers the ability to produce regional datasets across any disease area, creating a strong foundation for future development and research, including improvements in co‑morbidity analysis.
Who oversees GPIP?
GPs remain the Data Controllers for the information they contribute to the platform, and they have formally consented to their data being included within the GPIP. Oversight of the GPIP is provided by the Head of General Medical Sciences within the Strategic Planning and Performance Group, who serves as the Senior Responsible Owner, Data Owner and Technical Data Controller for the programme.
Day‑to‑day management of the GPIP is carried out by the Analytics and Insight Lead at the Data Institute. Their team is solely responsible for accessing and analysing the data, ensuring that insights are made available to GPs through the published dashboards. Compliance with data protection legislation is overseen by the Information Governance Lead at the Data Institute, who ensures that all activity meets the required regulatory standards.
There is a GPIP Editorial Board, which is currently chaired by two practising GPs. The Board plays a central role in determining what information is prioritised in GPIP and how it is presented to support the needs of GPs.
How do GP practices use GPIP?
GPIP has a suite of tools designed to provide secure, restricted access for authorised users within each practice, offering tailored dashboards developed in partnership with clinicians to deliver practical support and solutions. They make it possible to visualise and explore information that would otherwise take too long to obtain, or may not be accessible, through existing clinical systems.
Content decisions for the dashboards are taken by the GPIP Editorial Board. Dashboards for Chronic Kidney Disease, Diabetes and Dementia have already been released as part of this work.
The tools also help improve data quality, reduce the time required to complete routine tasks and ease operational pressures within practices. Ultimately, their purpose is to support better, more efficient patient care.
Who else can access GPIP data?
Stakeholders including health and social care staff, the Public Health Agency, the Integrated Care System NI, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group, and academic partners can access GPIP data sets through the Northern Ireland Trusted Research Environment and the Honest Broker Service. Access is granted following an approval process that includes review and approval by the GPIP Editorial Board. This ensures that de‑identified GPIP data can be used safely and securely to inform policy, planning, research, and service improvement across the health and social care system.
How do I request GPIP data?
If you wish to request GPIP data for your project, there is a Regional Request Process to follow. To find out more, use the contact details below.
Contact Details
For any enquiries relating to GPIP, email DataInstitute@hscni.net
Page last updated: 26 March 2026