As the NHS continues to struggle in maintaining a balance between resources and demand, there has been a major push from areas of the healthcare industry to implement a more technological approach to patient interaction and treatment.
Collaborations have already begun between the NHS and the mobile healthcare industry to find ways of easing the growing burden on resources.
The first ever DigitalHealth. London Accelerator Programme has recently been announced and marks the beginning of a new era in the way digital and technology firms engage with public healthcare services in the UK.
The programme aims to offer insight and support to businesses which are exploring innovative new approaches to patient care in the areas faced with the most pressing challenges.
Straight to the Patient’s Home
One such organisation, Now Healthcare, who are behind the smartphone apps Now GP and Dr Now are already serving over one million users by connecting patients all over the UK to qualified GPs via video call. These GPs are then able to offer diagnoses, advice and prescriptions straight to the patient’s home in a much more cost effective and efficient approach than the current system. Those who suffer from mobility issues or live remotely could benefit drastically from innovations in this area and can gain greater independence in monitoring their personal well-being.
35% reduction in hospital admissions compared to the previous year
A hospital in West Yorkshire that has embraced such technological advancements has seen a 35% reduction in hospital admissions compared to the previous year, a 53% decline in A&E visits and a 58% total reduction in hospital bed days.
Similarly, a district hospital in Yeovil identified that just 4% of local residents were consuming up to 50% of their overall health budget. To tackle this issue, new equipment was installed in the homes of their most frequent users to help them self report on key health indicators and allow them to contact a medical professional without needing to leave their home.
Revolutionise the NHS
Professor Kieth McNeil, Chief Clinical Information Officer at NHS England has claimed that digital innovation has the ability to revolutionise the NHS and the way people manage their own health.
He adds: “Digital innovation has the power to directly enhance patient care, improve the sustainability of our systems and transform the way people access NHS services”.
“We are already seeing the benefits to patients and NHS staff as we harness the potential of smart technology and we are investing hundreds of millions to move faster in realising such benefits across the entire health and social care system.“
The DigitalHealth. London programme, of which the accelerator is a key part, is a collaboration between Imperial College Health Partners, UCLPartners and the Health Innovation Network, with the Mayor of London and Academic Science Centres (AHSCs).
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