Grammarly - do you know where your data is going?

The Trust issued iPads have given users the ability to utilise many different apps that can assist them in their job role or day to day life.We are aware of several users who have downloaded the Grammarly app in order to help then with their writing.

Whilst Grammarly is a great tool to help with essay writing it must not be used with the Siren ePCR app.

The reason for this is around data security.  You may be aware that Grammarly is an American company, as such its data passes through American servers, and this is a big no for any NHS data.

Grammarly gets better at what it does by monitoring the keystrokes you enter.  In the siren app this could include patient names, postcodes and NHS Numbers.

In discussion with the Information Governance team the decision has been made that rather than a blanket ban on using Grammarly which can support users with other tasks on the iPad including essay writing etc.   All Trust iPad users are instructed to ensure the Grammarly keyboard is not active when using Siren ePCR if you chose to have it installed on your device.

If you have any questions please contact epcr@eastamb.nhs.uk

Published 30th July 2023