A UK liver disease study has recruited almost 1,000 participants in less than 12 months, demonstrating the growing potential of real-world NHS data to accelerate clinical research. The “LiveWell” study, led in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and digital health companies, has used routinely collected NHS data to identify and enrol patients at risk of metabolic liver disease.

This rapid recruitment contrasts sharply with traditional clinical trials, where around 80% fail to meet recruitment targets on time, often delaying innovation and increasing costs. Researchers say the success of the project could mark a turning point in how patients are identified and engaged in research across the NHS.

AI-powered case finding transforms patient identification

At the core of the study is a digital case-finding platform known as hepatoSIGHT, developed by Predictive Health Intelligence. The software analyses historic NHS blood test data to identify individuals who may be at risk of liver disease but have not yet been diagnosed. By combining longitudinal laboratory results with genetic risk factors, the system can stratify patients according to their likelihood of developing disease, allowing researchers to target recruitment far more precisely.

Dr Tim Jobson, a consultant gastroenterologist involved in the project, noted that identifying patients early has traditionally been a major challenge in liver disease, where symptoms often emerge late. The use of AI-driven analytics to interrogate existing NHS datasets enables clinicians to move from reactive diagnosis to proactive identification, an approach increasingly seen as central to preventive healthcare.

Digital-first recruitment pathway improves efficiency

Once potential participants were identified, the study used a fully digital recruitment pathway to streamline enrolment. Eligible individuals were contacted through targeted invitations and then onboarded via an online platform developed by Sano Genetics. This enabled electronic consent, at-home genetic testing and integrated data capture, significantly reducing the need for in-person appointments. Participants were also able to book diagnostic assessments such as FibroScan liver tests through the same system, creating a seamless end-to-end research journey.

This model not only accelerated recruitment but also improved accessibility, allowing patients to participate in research with minimal disruption to their daily lives. From a technology standpoint, the integration of digital consent, remote diagnostics and data capture represents a shift towards decentralised clinical trials, which are becoming increasingly prominent across the NHS.

Addressing a growing public health challenge

Liver disease is a major and growing health concern in the UK, often linked to obesity, diabetes and alcohol use. Early detection is critical, as many patients remain undiagnosed until the disease has progressed to advanced stages. The LiveWell study aims to evaluate whether earlier identification through data-driven methods can enable timely intervention and reduce the need for hospital treatment.

Researchers believe that leveraging NHS data in this way could help identify large numbers of at-risk individuals who would otherwise go unnoticed, supporting both prevention and early treatment strategies. The approach also aligns with wider NHS priorities around population health management, where data is used to identify and address risk at scale.

Implications for UK clinical research and innovation

The success of the study comes amid broader efforts to revitalise clinical research in the UK. A 2026 report from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) highlights declining participation in clinical trials and argues that better use of NHS data could significantly improve recruitment efficiency.

By enabling targeted identification of eligible patients, data-driven approaches reduce the time and cost associated with trial setup, while also improving the likelihood of meeting recruitment targets. This is particularly important as global competition for clinical trials intensifies, with the UK seeking to strengthen its position as a leading destination for research and innovation.

Data governance and ethical considerations

While the use of NHS data offers clear benefits, it also raises important questions حول data governance, privacy and public trust. The LiveWell study uses anonymised and secure data processes, ensuring that patient information is protected throughout the recruitment and research process.

Maintaining transparency and public confidence will be essential as similar approaches are scaled across the NHS. Experts emphasise that robust governance frameworks, clear communication and patient engagement are critical to ensuring that data-driven research is both effective and ethically sound.

A scalable model for future research

The rapid recruitment achieved by the LiveWell study suggests that this approach could be scaled to other disease areas, including cardiovascular conditions, cancer and rare diseases. By combining NHS data with advanced analytics and digital platforms, researchers can create more efficient and inclusive trials, reaching patients who might otherwise be excluded. This model also supports the development of precision medicine, where treatments are tailored to individual risk profiles and genetic characteristics.

Looking ahead

As the NHS continues to invest in digital infrastructure, the integration of real-world data into research is expected to expand significantly. Initiatives such as the planned Health Data Research Service aim to create a national framework for identifying and recruiting patients into trials more efficiently.

The success of the liver study highlights the transformative potential of NHS data when combined with advanced technology and innovative research design. By accelerating recruitment, improving patient identification and enabling earlier intervention, the approach offers a blueprint for the future of clinical research in the UK. For the health technology sector, it represents a clear signal that data-driven, digitally enabled trials are not only feasible but essential to delivering faster, more effective healthcare innovation.

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