The project was led by Claire Goodman, Professor of Health Care Research at the University of Hertfordshire and carried out in collaboration with 10 universities and senior partners, including The National Care Forum, The Health Foundation and four NIHR Applied Research Collaborations.

Prof Goodman said: ‘When structured and shared, this everyday data can be a powerful tool that can ensure targeted NHS support to help reduce unplanned hospital admissions, enable personalised care planning and improve resident wellbeing and safety.

‘When professionals are working from the same information from linked datasets, it builds trust between services and a shared understanding that supports collaborative problem-solving rather than attributing blame.

‘The MDS is about creating a foundation for meaningful, joined-up care that does not require extra form filling for an already stretched workforce.

‘Better data, designed around people's lives, leads to better care and better use of the NHS and social care resources.'