Children, young people, and caregivers broadly support using large health datasets for research, according to a University of Cambridge review published on October 15, 2026. The systematic review of 17 studies found that while participants see clear benefits for healthcare, they demand strong safeguards, transparency, and a greater say in how their data are governed.
A review led by researchers at the University of Cambridge has found that children and young people broadly support the use of health data for research that could improve lives, though they insist on strong safeguards, transparency, and involvement in how their information is used. The findings were published on October 15, 2026, in PLOS Digital Health.
Evidence Review Findings on Big Data in Healthcare
Researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge carried out a systematic review bringing together qualitative and quantitative evidence from 17 studies. A total of 6,261 individuals took part in the assessment, consisting of 1,443 parents and caregivers alongside a minimum of 4,710 children and young people. The broader dataset also captured the views of almost 1,500 parents and caregivers on the use of large health datasets, or big data, in children’s health care research.
Electronic health records, registries, administrative systems, and digital technologies supply extensive health information that is revolutionizing medical investigations by revealing trends in population health, treatment results, and disease characteristics. According to the review, participants were broadly supportive of reusing health data where there was a clear potential benefit, such as improving health care, advancing scientific knowledge, and supporting people with similar experiences.
‘Big data’ has the potential to unlock valuable insights into health and disease, but as our review has shown, we shouldn’t take for granted that everyone will give unqualified support for their data to be used. Young people are generally in favor and can see the benefits, but they understandably want to ensure their data are used ethically and securely, that they have control over how they’re used, and that their views are taken seriously.
student at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge
Safeguards, Trust, and Foundations
Support for data usage remains conditional. Participants want research carried out ethically by trustworthy organizations, backed by appropriate safeguards and transparency regarding how data are handled. Young individuals emphasize the need for robust protections to ensure information is used safely and fairly, including data encryption, secure storage protocols, and strict access controls to maintain data integrity and confidentiality.
Practical measures to build trust involve making it clearer to participants how their information is used and governed. The researcher noted that understanding why data are utilized, who accesses them, and what safeguards are in place will remain vital as data usage expands in healthcare research.