A digital social prescription tool that allows GPs to prescribe information, services and online support, has been integrated into the clinical system EMIS Web.
Initially live in two GP practices, the technology will be rolled out across practices in North East London as part of a unique partnership between Innovation Test Bed, Care City and tech company HealthUnlocked.
By embedding this new type of technology directly into the GP system, doctors will be able to quickly and easily deliver a digital social prescription to the patient as part of their standard consultation or appointment. The tool directs and signposts patients to local services, charities and voluntary sector support, and relevant HealthUnlocked online support communities.
Dr Matt Jameson Evans, Chief Medical Officer of HealthUnlocked said: “Digital social prescriptions have the potential to completely change the management of hundreds of conditions. By using technology and opening up support and services to patients, we can give people the tools to a better quality of life, reduce reliance on medications and radically rethink how we manage chronic health conditions. The most significant benefit is the potential to reduce demand on Emergency Departments (ED) and GPs in the NHS.”
Dr Amit Sharma, a GP at Tulasi Medical Centre, the first practice to go live with the tool, said: “We know that access to more information and support can change how you manage your health and your health outcomes. The concept of social prescription is not a new one, but having the ability to provide it quickly and easily during a consultation, and know the information is reliable, suitable and helpful is new. This will make a difference to a lot of our patients, whether they have cancer, diabetes, or would benefit from losing weight.”
For GPs not using EMIS Web, patients can be directed to the HealthUnlocked app (IOS) found in the NHS App store, having been one of the first apps to be approved by NHS Digital.
