Overview

West Yorkshire is initiating a pilot program utilizing a population health digital twin aimed at improving the early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and testing various interventions.

Key Details

• The region has been selected by the Digital Twin Consortium as one of eight global testbeds for this innovative project.
• The initiative seeks to enhance patient outcomes and alleviate pressures on the NHS, with the potential for nationwide implementation.
• Partners in this pilot include:
  1. Health Innovation Network Yorkshire and Humber
  2. Nexus
  3. West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
  4. Kidney Research UK

Expert Insights

Katherine Forbes, director of health system partnerships at Kidney Research UK, emphasized the potential of this approach to:

• Improve patient care and population health.
• Reduce the risk of long-term, complex health conditions.
• Enhance efficiency across healthcare services.

Dr. Sunil Daga, a clinical associate professor and honorary consultant nephrologist at the University of Leeds, noted:

• CKD is often overlooked compared to other health issues, yet it significantly impacts overall health.
• Digital twin technology allows for safe exploration of interventions and prediction of outcomes before implementing changes in patient care.

Project Goals

The pilot aims to create a virtual model that:

• Mirrors real-world systems.
• Simulates patient journeys from early detection to clinical progression.
• Enables the NHS to allocate resources more effectively, including staff and technology.

Long-Term Vision

The ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive population health digital twin that incorporates various social determinants of health, such as:

• Poverty
• Education
• Air quality
• Lifestyle factors

This aligns with the NHS’s 10-year health plan and the UK’s strategies in life sciences and artificial intelligence.

Conclusion

Nathan Berry, head of collaboration and HealthTech lead at Nexus, remarked on the significance of this partnership, stating:

• This collaboration demonstrates the potential of uniting innovation communities, health specialists, and research charities.
• It positions West Yorkshire as a leader in health tech innovation, with the potential to improve health outcomes across the UK.