Hepatitis C Identification case study

Hepatitis C, a condition affecting over 70,000 patients in England as of 2022, disproportionately impacts the most deprived areas, with more than 80% of cases originating from these regions. Eliminating Hepatitis C is crucial for reducing health inequalities. The Hepatitis C Identification project aims to use de-identified data analysis to find at-risk patients through GP records, revolutionising Hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment in primary care.

The Hepatitis C identification project marks a significant step towards the World Health Organisation's (WHO) elimination targets for Hepatitis C virus. By January 2024, the project had analysed de-identified data from GP practices across northwest London, assessing the prevalence and risk factors for Hepatitis C to enable targeted interventions.

Integrating data from patient records spanning from 31 December 1989 to 1 December 2023, sourced from the London Secure Data Environment (SDE), the project seeks to demonstrate the efficacy of data analysis in identifying at-risk patients.

Early identification benefits: the project identified 479,471 at-risk patients, enabling targeted and strategic interventions at high-risk practices.

Improved GP engagement: the project aims to inform and train GPs to recognise the factors that put patients at risk of Hepatitis C.

The Hepatitis C Identification project is a system-wide implementation of data analysis, expected to significantly contribute to the national eradication of Hepatitis C by 2030.

Data-driven insights: demonstrating the effectiveness of data analysis in primary care for swift Hepatitis C risk identification.

Enhanced decision-making: improving clinical decision-making by mapping peak areas and locational gaps in Hepatitis C prevalence.

Targeted interventions: enabling strategic interventions at high-risk practices based on comprehensive data analysis.

Policy and public health: guiding policy, prevention strategies, and public health initiatives for optimal impact in eliminating Hepatitis C.

Completed in January 2024, the Hepatitis C identification project was funded by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust with an investment of £14,600.

The Hepatitis C Identification project showcases how data analysis can transform healthcare, enhancing early identification of at-risk patients, improving targeted interventions, and significantly contributing to the goal of Hepatitis C elimination by 2030.

Through this initiative, the NHS Research Secure Data Environment Network demonstrates its potential to facilitate impactful research, support the rollout of data-driven strategies, and deliver substantial patient benefits in the fight against Hepatitis C.