Fighting diabetes

In a collaborative project with the University of Nottingham, Southampton Science Park company Emis Health has updated algorithms in the national QResearch database to create a more comprehensive tool for clinicians to identify more people aged 25-84 years at risk of developing diabetes – one of the UK’s biggest health problems.

QResearch is a large consolidated database derived from the pseudonymised health records of over 24 million patients. The data currently come from approximately 1500 general practices using the Emis clinical computer system. The practices are spread throughout the UK and include data from patients who are currently registered with the practices as well as historical patients who may have died or left. Historical records extend back to the early 1990's making it one of the largest and richest general practice databases in the world.

In addition to assessing established risk factors, the new algorithm now takes into account new risk factors including: atypical antipsychotics, statins, schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder, learning disability, gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Emis Health, which has a regional office at the Science Park, is a leader in connected healthcare software and services. It provides every health sector with innovative technologies, from market-leading clinical management systems to health analytics tools.