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Primary Care Data Standard

The main goal for the PCDS is to ensure consistency, improve interoperability and increase efficiency across GP systems for a migration.

About this standard

Publisher
NHS England
Also known as
PCDS
Reference code
12345
Status
Draft in progress
Show definitions of statuses

Future Standards. If the selected standard is a Future standard, show only statuses for Future standards.

Proposed. New standards suggested to address unmet need(s), but further exploratory work is required.

Draft in Progress. Standards that are in the process of being developed or going through consultation.

On Hold. Standards that have been paused but may resume in future.

Withdrawn. Standards that have been withdrawn from any development and approval process.

Standard type
  • Information standards
  • Technical standards and specifications
Show definitions of standard types

Collections. A Collection is a systematic gathering of a specified selection of data or information for a particular stated purpose from existing records held within health and care systems and electronic devices.

Extractions. An extraction is a type of collection that is pulled from an operational system by the data controller and transmitted to the receiver without additional processing or transcription by the sender.

Information standards. Information standards are agreed ways of doing something, written down as a set of precise criteria so they can be used as rules, guidelines, or definitions.

Technical Standards and specifications. Technical standards and specifications specify how to make information available technically including how the data is structured and transported.

Contact point

england.dmsteam@nhs.net

Applies to
All Suppliers of GP EPR Systems
Impacts on
Implementation of this standard impacts all GP system suppliers, both incumbent and new market entrants

Topics and care settings

Topic
Interoperability
Care setting
GP / Primary care

Page last updated: 01 December 2025