Groundbreaking research project aims to improve outcomes for patients with hidden health conditions
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust has secured significant funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for an innovative project that could revolutionise how emergency services handle unexpected medical discoveries.
Supported by ARC Yorkshire and Humber, The PERIFERAL project (Pathway enhancement for the referral of non-conveyed patients with incidental findings encountered by ambulance clinicians) addresses a critical gap in emergency healthcare. Research shows that during routine emergency responses, paramedics discover unexpected health problems in one in six patients – conditions completely unrelated to the original emergency call.
These “incidental findings” often include serious but manageable conditions such as irregular heartbeats, diabetes, or high blood pressure. The concerning reality is that many patients remain unaware they have these potentially life-threatening conditions, leaving them untreated and at risk of complications like strokes or heart attacks.
“This represents a significant opportunity to improve patient outcomes,” explains Dr Caitlin Wilson, Senior Paramedic Research Fellow at Yorkshire Ambulance Service and lead researcher on the project. “We’re essentially talking about catching health problems before they become emergencies.”
The 24-month research initiative, launching in October 2025, will tackle the current inconsistency in how UK ambulance services manage these discoveries. While some services transport patients to emergency departments, others recommend GP visits – but there’s limited evidence showing whether patients follow through on this advice.
Working alongside collaborators from the University of Sheffield, North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria University, and Hull York Medical School at the University of York, the team will develop a standardised referral pathway for incidental findings across ambulance services.
A dedicated patient panel will contribute lived experience to the project, ensuring that patient perspectives shape the research approach and outcomes. This collaborative approach reflects the project’s commitment to patient-centred care.
The research comes at a crucial time for the NHS, where early intervention and prevention are increasingly recognised as key to managing healthcare demands. By creating systematic pathways for addressing incidental findings, the project aims to reduce missed diagnoses, prevent long-term health complications, and align with broader public health priorities.
The PERIFERAL project represents more than just process improvement – it’s about transforming chance encounters into life-saving interventions. For the thousands of patients who call ambulances each year, this research could mean the difference between a hidden health condition becoming a medical emergency or being caught and treated early.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s investment in this research demonstrates the evolving role of emergency services from reactive responders to proactive healthcare partners, potentially setting a new standard for ambulance services across the UK.
The PERIFERAL project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and is scheduled to run for 24 months beginning October 2025.
