Global biopharmaceutical leader UCB has partnered with remote monitoring specialist Inhealthcare and expert clinicians at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath to launch an innovative new digital health platform that improves outcomes for rheumatology patients by transforming how their conditions are managed.
Developed under UCB’s global FASTRAX programme, the platform will support 12,000 patients with conditions such as axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at RUH, a national centre of excellence for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
With NHS rheumatology services facing increased demand and workforce limitations (1,2), the FASTRAX programme provides a much-needed solution. By digitalising patient monitoring, the platform frees up clinic capacity, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on urgent cases while still providing continuous care for other patients between hospital visits.
The platform integrates digital health tools that allow patients to track their symptoms, share relevant health data with clinicians based on their individual circumstances, and access valuable educational resources. This approach empowers patients to take an active role in managing their condition. It also allows patients on Patient Initiated Follow-Ups (PIFU) pathways to be regularly in contact with their clinical team.
Poppy Hocken, a patient living with axSpA who uses the platform, shared her positive experience. She said: “I can access and fill out all the digital questionnaires via the platform and it means when I go to visit the doctor, they can already see how I’ve been coping. That gives me more time to discuss how we move forward… and I can contact the rheumatology department to ask for help. That to me is a key component to feeling safe, knowing there’s somebody who will contact me when I’m struggling.”
One patient with PsA noted how being able to review their own health data provides them with a clear view of how their condition has changed over time. This feature helps them assess whether their medications are working or if an alternative treatment is needed. For someone with PsA, this data-driven insight is empowering and supports more informed discussions with their healthcare team.
Dr Raj Sengupta, Consultant Rheumatologist at RUH Bath, said: “We are excited to launch this programme, which not only improves our ability to monitor patients remotely but also offers tools to help them manage their condition day-to-day. This is a game changer for our department and will ultimately improve patient outcomes.”
David Lock, Immunology Head UK & Ireland at UCB said: “Our partnership with RUH Bath and Inhealthcare has allowed us to develop a platform that enhances the care journey for rheumatology patients, empowering them to take control of their health while reducing pressure on NHS services.”
Natalie Duffield, sales and marketing director at Inhealthcare, said: “Our digital health service is potentially life-changing for patients, revolutionising how clinicians prioritise cases and focus on the most critical needs. By replacing traditional paper-based systems with automated communications, digital questionnaires, and smart alerts, we’re not just digitising processes – we’re reimagining patient care. It’s a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by NHS rheumatology services and improving outcomes for patients with long-term conditions and we’re delighted to collaborate with UCB and RUH.”
Notes to Editors:
1.Medinet UK. (n.d.). Addressing the NHS Rheumatology Backlog. Available at: https://www.ukmedinet.com/resource/addressing-nhs-rheumatology-backlog/ [Accessed 22 July 2024].
2.NHS England (2021). GIRFT rheumatology report outlines how service change could reduce waiting times and improve access to care. Available at: https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/medical_specialties/rheumatology/ [Accessed 22 July 2024].
About FASTRAX Global:
FASTRAX is a global UCB initiative aiming to halve axSpA diagnosis time. It fosters collaborations with healthcare providers and technology partners to design tailored solutions, driving faster diagnoses and better patient outcomes.