The School of Management (SoM) is home to the Bevan Commission, Wales’ leading health and care think tank that works to interpret, analyse and advise on health-related matters in Wales. It provides expert advice, informed by evidence and consensus of the authoritative opinion, to Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and Social Services in the Welsh Government.
The Bevan Commission has developed links with local authorities, health boards and trusts, private and third sector partners, and academics, including researchers from SoM.
The Bevan Commission Planned Care Innovation Programme (PCIP), funded by Welsh Government, aims to reduce patient waiting times, tackle the growing backlog and reduce overall demand on planned care services in Wales by supporting 18 innovative and diverse projects across all seven NHS Health Boards and two NHS Trusts. Two of the most research-focused projects involve significant improvements in patient care.
Genicular Artery Embolization as a minimally invasive intervention to manage patients with mild-moderate Osteoarthritis of the knee
The first project is entitled ‘Genicular Artery Embolization as a minimally invasive intervention to manage patients with mild-moderate Osteoarthritis of the knee’. The project is being delivered by ABUHB, with input from Versus Arthritis.
The team leading the project is:
- Dr Nimit Goyal, Consultant Interventional Radiologist
- Dr Rebecca Wallace, Research Lead for Radiology
- Mr Andrew Miller, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
GAE intends to relieve the symptoms of those living with mild to moderate knee Osteoarthritis (OA), a condition of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. At the same time, the project aims to reduce pressure on primary care, alongside physiotherapy and occupational therapy waiting lists. Approximately 450,000 individuals in Wales live with OA. Mild to moderate knee OA, not severe enough to warrant joint replacement, and resistant to nonsurgical options, represents a specific challenge.
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an Interventional Radiology procedure that aims to relieve pain by embolising the pathological new vessels while maintaining the larger vascular supply to the bone. The fact that it is done as a day case using local anaesthesia makes it a quick and convenient solution for patients.
The project will explore the effectiveness of this novel interventional radiological procedure as a treatment option to reduce pain and improve joint mobility, overall quality of life and wellbeing in patients living with mild-moderate knee OA. As the first known study in Wales to investigate the potential benefits of this procedure, it is hoped the study will realise the benefits of this intervention ultimately leading to widespread adoption within Wales.
The procedure is recommended by NICE, but not yet approved. This project, if successful, will act as a business case for the approval of the procedure.
For more information about the GAE project please email Rebecca Wallace or visit the website.
Colon Capsule Endoscopy pilot to reduce colonoscopy demand
Image: Medtronic 2022
The second project is entitled ‘Colon Capsule Endoscopy pilot to reduce colonoscopy demand’. The project is being delivered by NHS Wales Health Collaborative as part of the National Endoscopy Programme, with the procedure being trialled in four health boards: Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
The team leading the project is:
- Sunil Dolwani, Professor of Gastroenterology, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, and Board Clinical Lead for National Endoscopy Programme – Clinical Pathways workstream
- Dana Knoyle, Managerial Lead for National Endoscopy Programme – Clinical Pathways workstream
- Naomi Davies, Senior Project Manager for National Endoscopy Programme
Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) is a test for patients who need to have an examination of their large bowel (colon). The test uses a capsule about the size of a vitamin pill, containing two tiny cameras inside. When the patient swallows the capsule, the cameras take thousands of pictures of the lining of the bowel as the capsule moves through it. The pictures are sent digitally to a recorder which is worn by the patient on a belt during the test. These pictures are looked at by the hospital team, a report is made and then a doctor/specialist nurse will discuss any problems or signs of disease with the patient.
One of the aspirations of the project is to establish a national reporting pool of trained doctors/nurses who are able to review the capsule pictures remotely wherever they are in Wales, maximising workforce capacity and speeding up diagnostic times.
CCE represents a significantly less invasive procedure to a traditional colonoscopy, with potential benefits including reduced anxiety and discomfort for patients.
The success of the project and the benefits of the test for patients will be reviewed in partnership with Cardiff University early next year.
For more information about the CCE project please email the National Endoscopy Programme or visit the website.