Diet-tracking apps and wearables part of NHS ‘technology vision’

People should be able to stay healthy and active using wearables and diet-tracking apps in co-ordination with their GP, according to a document setting out a vision for a tech revolution in the NHS.

Meanwhile, those with long-term conditions should have access to a suite of supportive apps to meet their needs, according to the Department of Health and Social Care’s “technology vision”.

The document describes how technology across the health and care sectors “don’t talk to each other, fail frequently and do not follow modern cyber security practices”.

“As a result, some people are getting suboptimal care, staff are frustrated and money could be saved and released for the front line,” the authors wrote.

They describe how just being able to use mainstream products and services would “transform” health and social care in this country.

And the potential of cutting-edge technologies to support preventative, predictive and personalised care is “huge”, they added.

The document sets out how digital services and IT systems in the NHS will have to meet a clear set of mandatory standards to ensure they can “talk to each other” and can be replaced when better technologies are created.

Outside of these standards, local health bodies will have the freedom to buy what they need.

Any system which does not meet these standards will be phased out, officials said.

Launching his new technology vision, Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The tech revolution is coming to the NHS.

“These robust standards will ensure that every part of the NHS can use the best technology to improve patient safety, reduce delays and speed up appointments.

“A modern technical architecture for the health and care service has huge potential to deliver better services and to unlock our innovations.

“We want this approach to empower the country’s best innovators – inside and outside the NHS – and we want to hear from staff, experts and suppliers to ensure our standards will deliver the most advanced health and care service in the world.”

Advertisement