Enhancing NHS health checks through novel point-of-care testing and digital health technologies to improve prevention of multiple long-term conditions

Supervisors: Professor James Sheppard, Professor Gail Hayward

Background

NHS Health Checks play a central role in the early identification and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults aged 40-74 years. Despite their importance, uptake remains inconsistent, with particularly low engagement among some high-risk and underserved populations. Efforts to widen participation through community-based initiatives and targeted outreach have shown some promise, however currently these efforts do not extend to the subsequent advice needed to manage risk factors detected.

Currently, NHS Health Checks focus primarily on cardiovascular risk. There is growing interest in expanding these unique and universal patient contacts with risk factor measurement for a wider range of chronic health conditions related to respiratory health, mental health, and cognitive function. Advances in point-of-care testing and digital health technologies offer new possibilities to expand the scope of risk factor measurement, and deliver rapid feedback and tailored lifestyle interventions where risk factors are identified. These innovations may help improve accessibility, engagement, and ultimately prevention of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs). However, there are potential barriers to adoption and therefore, it is essential to understand the acceptability and feasibility of integrating these technologies into existing community-based health check programmes.

Aim

To develop and evaluate an enhanced community-based NHS Health Check model incorporating novel point-of-care testing and digital technologies to improve screening and risk factor management in diverse and underserved populations.

Objectives

1. To examine the acceptability of novel point-of-care screening tests and digital technologies for lifestyle support among patients and healthcare providers.
2. To develop an intervention, informed by stakeholder input, that integrates expanded screening and digital lifestyle support into community-based health checks.
3. To pilot and assess the feasibility of delivering this enhanced intervention alongside existing community health check programmes aimed at improving screening and management of chronic conditions in underserved populations.

Methods

Cross-sectional surveys and qualitative research methods will be used to explore patient and healthcare provider attitudes towards expanded screening domains (such as respiratory health, mental health, and cognitive function), the use of point-of-care testing technologies, and digital tools for lifestyle support. Findings from this initial work will be synthesised alongside relevant literature on the clinical effectiveness and performance (for example diagnostic accuracy) of potential technologies and behavioural science theory to develop an enhanced health check model. Where appropriate this may incorporate the Person-Based Approach or an equivalent theory-informed and user-centred framework. Stakeholder engagement, including co-design activities with community representatives and healthcare professionals, will be central to this project. The intervention is expected to incorporate selected point-of-care tests, structured approaches to risk communication, and digital or technology-supported tools to promote lifestyle modification and follow-up.

In the final project, the developed intervention will be piloted within selected community-based health programmes serving diverse and underserved populations. The primary focus will be on assessing feasibility and implementation. Key outcomes will include recruitment and retention rates, acceptability to participants and providers, fidelity of delivery, and completeness of data collection. Together, these projects will provide a robust foundation for designing a subsequent fully powered evaluation of clinical and cost-effectiveness.

Expected outcomes

This project will generate evidence on the acceptability of expanded screening and health technologies in NHS Health Check contexts, including practical considerations for integrating point-of-care testing and digital lifestyle support. The findings will inform the design of larger-scale studies evaluating the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Preferred applicant background/skills

Applicants must have a first degree in a discipline relevant to primary care and applied health research and will be expected to complete a PhD/ DPhil during the award period. Preferred skills/experience include training or experience in mixed-methods research (qualitative and quantitative), experience in intervention development and/or feasibility testing and an interest in healthtech, screening, prevention, and health inequalities.

Funding

Fees at Home level for 3 years, Overseas applicants welcome to apply but they will need to cover difference in fees. Funding also covers an annual stipend of at least £23,000 and research costs of £2,500 per year.

Application process

Applications must be received by 12 noon (UK time) Friday 15 May 2026.