HARNESS: Health Analytics Research Network for Education, Statistics, and Safe-AI

HARNESS community members lead over £20M of world-leading research in health data science, covering prediction modelling, health economics, regulatory science, service evaluation, and many other topics. Some of these are highlighted below.

Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial

The Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial (YLST) is a large randomised controlled trial testing whether inviting adults aged 55–80 with a history of smoking to community‑based low‑dose CT scans improves lung cancer detection and outcomes. Alongside evaluating participation and comparing different high‑risk selection criteria, it incorporates the Yorkshire Enhanced Stop Smoking programme, which delivers smoking‑cessation support during screening. The trial includes several sub‑studies, including research on early detection cancer biomarkers, the Yorkshire Kidney Screening Trial to assess feasibility of adding abdominal CT imaging to the lung screen for kidney cancer detection and a personalised pathway navigation programme, to boost uptake among underserved groups. Find out about the Leeds Lung Health Check here.

The eFI2 (electronic Frailty Index 2)

In 2016 Prof. Andrew Clegg introduced the electronic frailty index (eFI) which changed how geriatric medicine is performed within the UK. Every GP in the country is recommended to use this tool for assessing the frailty of the older population. This project developed the eFI2 to provide better coverage of health conditions, and predict patient outcomes that are more related to the needs of elderly people. It is also implemented within the software systems of both main GP system suppliers, TPP and Optum EMIS, alongside various local government bodies. Further information from the NIHR Applied Research Centre.

ARISE - ARthrItiS and Employment

The ARISE project explores how arthritis affects people’s ability to work and aims to develop practical guidance to help employers and policymakers better support those living with the condition. Using national survey data, interviews with people who have arthritis, and co‑produced policy recommendations, the study identifies which groups are most affected and what changes could help more people stay in work if they wish to. Project information from the School of Medicine, University of Leeds.

ENQUIRE - Using routine health data to undErstaNd eQUIty in canceR carE

The ENQUIRE project uses large-scale, routinely collected NHS health data to investigate whether cancer care and spending are distributed fairly across different groups of patients. By analysing real‑world data from people treated for four common cancers, the study aims to identify where resources are allocated, how this varies between communities, and whether these differences contribute to poorer outcomes for people in more deprived areas. Working closely with NHS leaders and the public, the project seeks to find practical ways to reduce cancer inequalities and ensure all patients receive the right care, regardless of where they live. Further information on this fellowship from the School of Medicine, University of Leeds.