Apps

CNWL and North Central London CCG launch remote monitoring pilot

Central and North West London NHS FT and North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have launched a remote monitoring pilot with my mhealth for patients with diabetes.

Through the introduction of the myDiabetes app, patients can access expert advice, education, nutritional guidance and exercise programmes. Patients can also capture metrics such as through blood glucose monitors, linked via Bluetooth, to provide the ability to build a personalised set of targets, helping to support people control their condition. Clinical teams then use the service to access data, reports and remote monitoring tools.

The trust said the introduction of the app aims to build on the digital competency and capability achieved during the pandemic and forms part of its plans to scale those digital innovations that enable a remote care service.

my mhealth, the company behind the solution, recently announced its successful roll-out of the platform to support 100,000 diabetes patients and their clinical services in Kent and Medway. Between April 2021, its launch, and May 2021, over 400 patients have been given access to the platform, with these patients accessing more than 350 individual educational sessions.

Ian Butcher, Kent and Medway Diabetes and CVD Transformation and Development Manager, commented: “All of us here at the CCG alongside the Paul Carr Diabetes Trust feel this is a really fantastic step forward for people living with Diabetes in Kent. It’s important that we continue to evolve services to ensure we make the best care available. myDiabetes provides an easy-to-use digital self-management tool, with access to an educational programme, targeted evidence-based information and advice. It is designed to complement our existing diabetes services and gives all who use it digital access to tools to better manage their condition for the general improvement of their health and wellbeing.”

The company has also partnered with University of Southampton through the NHSX Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award. The programme aims to demonstrate the use of the company’s tech to support patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The development of the mySmartCOPD app aims to use machine-learning and artificial intelligence to predict exacerbations several days in advance and support person-centred management.

As part of the pilot, a new clinical COPD management model using machine learning for early personalised prediction of exacerbation and intervention will be tested. Personalised alerts will be sent to patients and clinicians to work towards preventing an exacerbation, with the programme aiming to support patients to understand their own COPD, and help them to take action to prevent an exacerbation event in the future.