Taking an innovative approach to long-term conditions, for all

Nazish Khan

CVD Clinical and Programme Lead, the Health Innovation Network

Approximately 26 million people in the UK have at least one long-term condition (LTC), with a disproportionate impact on those in deprived communities.

The Health Innovation Network (formerly AHSN Network), supports the NHS to deliver better care for people with LTCs, through innovation. Ensuring regional healthcare systems adopt innovation to reduce health inequalities in their local population is a top priority.

Identifying those most at risk

In the UK, 1.3 million people diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) need specialised care. Cold, damp conditions from inadequate housing can worsen respiratory issues and widen health disparities.

A recent population health management project, part of a local partnership with Health Innovation North West Coast, identified those at most risk of their condition worsening due to social deprivation, including fuel poverty.

The project drew on data insights from 2.6 million people, including GP referrals and charities specialising in home heating, to prioritise those most in need of intervention.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for
a quarter of all mortalities in the UK each year.

Supporting treatment optimisation

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for a quarter of all mortalities in the UK each yearand disproportionately affects people in deprived areas.

Health Innovation South West is working with a local GP to disseminate new methods for identifying and treating high blood pressure (BP), a cause of CVD. Recording patient data, like weight, pulse and other indicators, helps clinicians to better manage risk factors and optimise treatment.

In the South West, where hypertension rates surpass the national average, this has significantly improved detection rates and increased management rates by an average of 25%.

Finding those undiagnosed

Asthma leads to 60,000 hospital admissions each year and is more prevalent within deprived communities, which are more likely to attend hospital for their condition.

The Network supported the national rollout of Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) — a device that delivers faster, more accurate asthma diagnosis. Since April 2021, approximately 53% of Primary Care Networks in England have access to FeNO testing.