Improving patient outcomes with HES data
AstraZeneca and NHS
Striving for equitable care for cardiovascular patients
CSL was approached by AstraZeneca to improve cardiovascular patient outcomes through effective use of NHS Hospital Episode’s Statistics (HES) data.
AstraZeneca was working closely with a passionate NHS Cardiologist seeking to improve the long term prospects of all cardiovascular patients. It had been identified that patients with partial blockages of the coronary artery (NSTEMI) had a greater long term risk than patients surviving complete myocardial infarctions despite initially having less severe heart attacks.
NICE guidelines surgery should be performed within 72 hours of a NSTEMI, however in practice, there was large variation in care across the UK. Many Trusts were struggling to reach the 60% target for surgery within the timeline due to complex pathways and local issues.
AstraZeneca had set up a cardiovascular partnership program, starting with a series of workshops and required real world data, for example from NHS Hospital Episodes Statistics, that HCPs involved would support and not dispute.
CSL modelled patient journeys using HES data
CSL collaborated closely with AstraZeneca to model the complexity in cardiovascular patient journeys using HES data, provided by CSL.
The model captured the nuances of the pathways, for example incorporating transfers between local and specialist centres, to understand in more detail the treatment timelines of these patients.
Our analysis was used as the basis for discussion in the partnership program workshops. Due to using NHS HES data, HCPs were comfortable making decisions for improvement based on the findings.
As a result of effective use of HES data, cardiovascular patients' lives were saved
Our client sponsored over 15 workshops to reach NHS Cardiology teams across the UK, with this innovative “Beyond the Pill” project. This demonstrates the direct impact that HES data can make, with Cardiologists driving improvements in pathways off the back of these discussions.
Additionally, regular refreshes of the HES data was used to monitor progress after improvements were implemented. This provided further real-world evidence that their changes were benefiting patients.
Feedback from HCPs involved in this project unanimously agreed that the initiave between AstraZeneca, CSL, and the NHS had saved cardiovascular patient lives, and would continue to do so. This project was a true testament to the power of data to make a difference, when used effectively.
If HES data would benefit patients in the therapy area you are working in, then please get in touch and we’d be happy to discuss your requirements further.