Last week, Policy Connect convened a cross-sector roundtable in Parliament to explore how better data integration can improve care, outcomes, and long-term support for people living with ABI.

ABI affects millions of people in the UK, yet it remains under-recognised in both policy and public health. Despite an estimated annual cost of £15 billion to the UK economy, data on incidence, rehabilitation outcomes, and ongoing support needs is fragmented across health, social care, education, and justice systems – leaving survivors and their families underserved.

Chaired by Sir John Hayes MP, the roundtable brought together expert voices from academia, the third sector, and clinical practice, including:

• Chloe Hayward, Executive Director, United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum.
• Professor Reinhold Scherer, Head of Department – Professor, University of Essex, School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE).
• Dr Ben Jones, Senior Lecturer, University of Essex, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Science.
• Professor Andrew Bateman Professor and Director NIHR Research Design Service, University of Essex, School of Health and Social Care.

A key theme was the critical need for long-term, linked datasets to monitor patient journeys beyond the hospital setting. Currently, data is often limited to acute episodes, with little visibility into recovery, quality of life, or the broader health and social care needs of survivors. Participants called for greater integration of local and national data systems.

The discussion also emphasised the importance of elevating ABI within the public and political agenda, securing sustainable funding to ensure local services can provide long-term care, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration. Participants highlighted the need for deeper partnerships across research, practice, and policy to support effective data sharing and generate actionable insights.

This session is part of Policy Connect’s ongoing work to support a joined-up, data-driven approach to ABI as part of the Government’s 10-year health and care strategy. Better data is not only a technical necessity – it is a foundation for fairer, more effective care for every person affected by ABI.

For more information about the roundtable or Policy Connect’s work on data-driven policy for Acquired Brain Injury, please contact lavanya.rangarajan [at] policyconnect.org.uk (lavanya[dot]rangarajan[at]policyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk).