GASTROENTEROLOGY The UHS approach ensures that calprotectin
home test results are automatically channelled into the same EHR systems used for laboratory calprotectin tests, making it equally accessible
calprotectin testing highlighted the possibility of a seamless and meaningful extension of the existing UHS IBD digital pathway.
The model encourages early
intervention and more active participation in disease management by enabling patients to test at home when symptoms begin to appear, potentially enabling real-time, patient- driven flare management. The process is straightforward: patients follow step- by-step instructions via a smartphone app, receive their results in real time and – depending on pre-agreed care plans – either contact their clinical team or begin treatment adjustments themselves. For example, some patients are now able to increase their dose of mesalazine in response to rising calprotectin levels, without needing to wait for a clinic appointment or further consultation. This PIFU approach has allowed the team to reallocate clinical time more effectively, reducing unnecessary face- to-face appointments, while enabling faster access for patients with urgent or complex needs. It also supports a more personalised care model, one that recognises the variability of IBD and tailors intervention to the individual. Crucially, this approach is also
encouraging a greater sense of autonomy and understanding among patients. With direct access to their results and a beter grasp of what those results mean for their condition, patients are becoming more confident in recognising flare paterns and responding appropriately. Over time, this kind of engagement contributes to more responsive, sustainable care and a stronger partnership between patients and their healthcare teams.
Delivering value Although the pilot study was initially aimed at patients experiencing suspected flare ups in their own homes, its value has quickly extended beyond that group; it is now being used with inpatients and individuals presenting in emergency setings, where timely treatment planning is critical. The ability to carry out rapid calprotectin testing on hospital wards or in the acute medical unit has streamlined the assessment process, helping clinicians
to decide whether immediate intervention is required or the patient can safely return home with a clear, personalised care plan. In turn, this broader application of the service is revealing system-wide benefits. There could be potential cost savings too, including a reduced need for diagnostic endoscopy, faster initiation of appropriate therapies, shorter hospital stays and more efficient use of clinical time. The team is now planning to develop a sustainable business case to support the long-term integration of home-based calprotectin testing into routine care at UHS and potentially across other NHS trusts. The digital and clinical teams are exploring ways to enhance the digital MyMR IBD pathway further to streamline how patients and clinicians respond to test results, using simple, clinically supervised and patient-empowered decision-support features. Plans include developing a traffic-light system to help categorise results: if everything is stable, no action is needed; if there’s a minor concern, the patient may be prompted to message the team; and if something
more serious is flagged, clinical staff can intervene directly. The goal is to enable faster and more proportionate responses, while supporting patients to self-manage where appropriate.
Ensuring accessibility The patient response to the home calprotectin testing model has been overwhelmingly positive from the very start. In feedback gathered during the trial period, most participants said they preferred this method of testing to the traditional laboratory based route, and the majority reported feeling confident in interpreting their results using the smartphone app and MyMR platform. Patients highlighted several key advantages, including the speed of receiving results, the ability to act quickly, and the reassurance of having greater visibility and control over their condition. These sentiments were echoed at a patient open day – atended by more than 150 patients and the CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis UK – where the appetite for making at- home testing a permanent option within care pathways was clear. However, while enthusiasm for the
digital approach is high, the team at UHS has remained mindful of the need to ensure equity and accessibility. Not all patients have access to up-to-date smartphones or feel confident using app-based technology. To address this, a smartphone compatibility list was used during the pilot study to identify eligible users, and alternative solutions were
The UHS pilot study was set up to test the feasibility of the SmarTest Calprotectin Home Test, a CE-marked, quantitative lateral flow assay specifically designed for home use.
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