Aneurin Bevan University Health Board case study

High-level summary

Health Diagnostics have worked with the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) in South Wales since 2014 on an award-winning CVD prevention ‘national pace-setter’. Having originally been exclusively focused on CVD risk assessment, since October 2018 ABUHB’s programme has expanded to incorporate on-going lifestyle support. Now, those identified at high risk of CVD (10-year risk ≥10%) are offered up to 6 months of intensive support for individuals after the initial health check.

Solution components supplied

  • Predictive risk stratification of the eligible cohort
  • Automated invite processing
  • An interactive and customised tool for patient-focused delivery
  • Electronic data transfer to patient records
  • The ability to monitor and track individuals’ results and lifestyle behaviours on-going (since the programme’s evolution to include the offer of 6 months’ support)
  • Advanced data management including analytic intelligence on local health trends and provider performance
  • CPD certified training
  • Consultative services on all elements of delivery and administration 

Local outcomes

Impacts on lifestyle change

  • Based on 217 individuals that have had more than one health check following a period of support, the following improvements in health outcomes have been seen thanks to the work of those carrying out the programme:
    • An average 12% decrease in CVD risk score based on QRISK2
    • A 26% decrease in the number of smokers
    • Of those that continued to smoke, there has been a 27% decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked
    • Overall reductions in average blood pressure, cholesterol and HbA1c

Notable public health outcomes

  • Of the 16,547 health checks completed in ABUHB between Jan 2015 and Sept 2019:
    • 307 individuals have been identified and treated as being at very high risk of CVD (>20%)
    • 16% have had a QRISK result >10% (high enough to trigger follow-up and a potential statin prescription in accordance to NICE guidance)
    • 97% of those not referred to their GP (most often due to refusal on the individual’s part) have received lifestyle advice.
  • 67% of all health checks carried out by the LWLL team have been delivered to people living in the most deprived parts of ABUHB
  • Swansea University are conducting a full-scale evaluation of the programme in ABUHB and Cwm Taf Health Board; Health Diagnostics are providing bespoke data extracts to researchers from the ABUHB programme

Views of the commissioner

  • According to Dee Puckett, ex-Transformational Change Programme Director, ABUHB:
    • “You have all been amazing and our programme would not be where it is now if it wasn’t for you and your team!”