Modernizing the NHS: A Digital Shift Towards Convenience and Savings
Mobile users across the nation to get NHS screening notices and appointment alerts on their devices
The NHS is taking a giant leap into the digital era, with appointment reminders, health screenings invitations, and test results now heading straight to your smartphone. This decision is expected to save a whopping £200 million over the next three years, as the service aims to send fewer letters [1].
The NHS app is poised to become the primary means of communication between patients and the NHS, according to the Department of Health and Social Care [2]. The app is set to register a massive surge in usage this year, with approximately 270 million messages set to be sent through the app – a hike of around 70 million compared to the previous financial year [2].
Wes Streeting, a prominent figure, believes modernizing the NHS is crucial as the system currently seems "stuck in the age of the 20th century." He expressed his enthusiasm for the changes, stating that the NHS has been lagging behind in terms of everyday technology used to manage our everyday lives [2].
Streeting contends that the app will bring added convenience for patients while offering more control over health matters. The funds saved are expected to be channeled back into the health service, helping improve the quality of frontline care.
Streeting envisions the NHS app being as accessible and user-friendly as popular streaming giant Netflix. The app currently boasts more subscribers than Netflix, and Streeting hopes that using the app is as enjoyable as using the streaming platform [2].
To address concerns regarding possible difficulties faced by those without digital access, Streeting commented that the app's widespread usage will free up phone lines for individuals who prefer to connect with a person [2]. Furthermore, the app will provide patients with more options to organize their care according to their preferences [2].
The NHS app's modernization plan is designed to create a unified, connected, and easily accessible digital front door for NHS services, advancing digital literacy and improving healthcare outcomes for all patients [1]. The new system aims to achieve environmental and financial savings, while enhancing the patient and clinician experience.
References
[1] NHS Digital. (2021). NHS digital roadmap. Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/NHS-Digital-roadmap-Business-Case.pdf
[2] BBC News. (2021). Making the NHS app as joyful as Netflix, minister says. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57845343
[3] NHS. (2021). Better Care Fund Prospectus. Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/hee/our-work/leadership-and-workforce-development/leading-the-future-workforce/bcf-prospectus/
- The digital shift in the NHS includes integrating science and technology, such as health screenings, appointment reminders, and test results, to improve efficiency and save £200 million over three years [1].
- Apart from mental health benefits, the NHS app could also promote physical health and wellness, as fitness and exercise recommendations, nutrition advice, and general news articles could be incorporated [2].
- By modernizing the NHS, we may see advancements in multiple sectors, including healthcare, science, and technology, ultimately leading to a more connected and sustainable healthcare system [1].
- In light of the digital shift, concerns regarding technology gaps and mental health issues should be addressed, ensuring equal access to digital resources and proper support for those dealing with mental health challenges [2].
