A new more effective approach to disease prevention, detection and treatment

Kainos and Our Future Health extend strategic digital partnership to advance the UK’s largest health research programme

Over one million volunteers have taken part in the programme which aims to develop a more effective approach to disease prevention, detection and treatment

Leading digital technology company, Kainos, and the UK’s largest health research programme, Our Future Health, announce the extension of their strategic digital delivery partnership aimed at advancing the UK’s largest health research programme. This collaboration represents a groundbreaking effort to revolutionise disease prevention, early detection, and treatment, with a focus on improving the health and well-being of millions across the UK.

Our Future Health is making remarkable strides in its goal of building a cohort of five million volunteers from diverse backgrounds. The size of this collection sample is unprecedented, and through it, Our Future Health aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of what makes certain people more likely to develop a disease, paving the way for more effective prevention, detection and treatment of diseases.

Volunteers complete a questionnaire, and provide a blood sample and some physical measurements, and consent to Our Future Health securely linking to their health records. Volunteers are also offered information about their own health, including their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

As of November 2023, over one million volunteers have consented to participate. Based on the success of the partnership to date, Our Future Health has chosen to contract Kainos to be its digital delivery partner for another year. Kainos will continue to facilitate the programme’s portal for registering and onboarding volunteers, providing access to digital applications for clinicians.

Marko Balabanovic, Chief Technology Officer, Our Future Health commented, “Kainos is a great digital partner for us. With a successful track record in secure, data-centric health projects, including the NHS App in England and Wales, the team’s digital expertise has truly been invaluable. The commitment and understanding of our unique requirements that they’ve shown have been pivotal to the success of this groundbreaking project, and we’re delighted to extend our partnership.”

Powering disease research through digital technology

The partnership started in 2021 when Our Future Health engaged Kainos to develop, trial and launch the participant portal, applications for clinical staff and support services using a combination of Microsoft Azure Cloud services and Dynamics CRM. In 2023, the programme’s reach was further extended following the integration of a scalable solution that allows blood donors to participate as part of their regular appointments with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), making it easier for people to take part.

John Smith, Head of Healthcare, Kainos commented, “Our Future Health is a leader in health research, and we are thrilled to continue our strategic partnership with them as they shape the future of disease prevention and treatment. We’re also proud to be part of a programme that so clearly demonstrates how the delivery of digital services is transforming healthcare and having a meaningful impact to the lives of millions across the UK.”

The extended partnership with Our Future Health continues Kainos’ work in the healthcare and life sciences sector. For more than 15 years it has created digital solutions for the NHS, public health bodies, private providers and cutting-edge life sciences companies. From the NHS App in England and Wales to state-of-the-art electronic medical records platforms, the company is at the forefront of helping healthcare benefit from digital transformation.

Learn more about the Our Future Health programme and who is eligible to take part here: https://ourfuturehealth.org.uk/get-involved/taking-part/