Update on national programmes Rapid uptake of national products S Dr Sarah Robinson, Interim Director of Delivery at Eastern AHSN, outlines the impact of two national products 3,250 placental growth factor (PlGF) tests carried out to diagnose women presenting with suspected pre-eclampsia supporting the adoption and spread of proven innovations within the NHS is critical to delivering better outcomes for patients and a key focus of our work. Led by NHS England in partnership with the national AHSN Network, we have several workstreams under way to remove barriers, cascade best practice and accelerate the adoption of proven treatments and diagnostics. Here we focus on placental growth factor testing and the high-sensitivity troponin test, which are being fast-tracked into the NHS through the Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) pathway transformation fund. Bringing diagnostics to pre-eclampsia During pregnancy, a condition called pre-eclampsia can occur that causes the flow of blood through the placenta to be reduced, limiting the oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby and potentially restricting growth. It usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy and can also put the mothers health at risk. Previously, there has not been a diagnostic test for the condition and, as a Other national products we are supporting result, many women were admitted with suspected pre-eclampsia. To address SecurAcath, a device inserted under the skin to provide this and as part of the adoption and spread of national products, we are continuous securement for peripherally inserted central implementing two placental growth factor (PlGF)-based tests that providers can catheters. It ensures less movement and dislodging of the choose between to confidently diagnose pre-eclampsia, improving patient catheter, improving effectiveness and patient experience. experience and optimising efficiencies. Annual savings across the NHS in England from using During 2019/20, 3,250 PlGF tests were carried out across six sites in our region. SecurAcath are estimated to be 4.2 million. In addition, we supported a successful application for 24,000 to the shared HeartFlow leverages deep learning to create a 3D model of collaboration fund for Lister Hospital to transform its PlGF-testing pathway. a patients coronary arteries and uses a powerful algorithm Fast-tracking heart attack diagnosis to simulate blood flow, to assess the impact of blockages of coronary blood flow and determine the best course of Annually in England and Wales, chest pain accounts for 6% of all emergency treatment. Increasing the number of people benefitting from departments attendances, and while 80% of patients are admitted to hospital, this technology and reducing the number of invasive less than 25% receive a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI), otherwise coronary angiographs as a result, is estimated to save the known as a heart attack.1 NHS 17 million. In our region at the end of Q3, 452 scans To optimise this pathway there is a need to diagnose cases of MI as early as had been performed. possible. One factor in the delay is the need to take two blood tests 10-12 hours apart. However, the introduction of high-sensitivity troponin testing means the two blood tests are taken one or three hours apart, supporting diagnosis within four hours of presentation at the emergency department. This rapid diagnostic ensures more effective treatment leading Carpenter A., (2016). Rapid rule out of MI in the emergency department [online]. British Cardiovascular Society. [Viewed 5th June 2020]. Available from https://www.bcs.com/ pages/news_full.asp?NewsID=19792536 1 References Reference Share this article to better outcomes for patients, as well as improved allocation of hospital resources. During 2019/20 we have supported several providers to apply for and secure funding to support the adoption and spread of high-sensitivity troponin testing, including pathway transformation funding and shared collaboration funding totalling 50,000. Healthcare providers Find out how we can help you get faster access to the latest innovations and technologies to deliver excellent patient care at EasternAHSN.org