Engage Health Systems has announced updates to how Engage Consult, its online and video consultation tool, works with the NHS App.
Following a review to map out user journeys and identify required improvements working in collaboration with the NHS App team, Engage has added a new document upload feature to support virtual consultations. NHS content has also been embedded for medical problems such as videos, alerts and signposting, including to pharmacies through the Pharmacy First Scheme.
Additionally, Engage has announced that the tool is in the first round of assurance for NHS Notify, allowing Engage Consult to utilise the NHS App inbox and send out push notifications. NHS Notify allows NHS services to send emails, texts, letters and NHS App messages, and works by integrating with the organisation or service and utilising the Personal Demographics Service to locate contact details and highlight any restrictions.
Engage comments: “SMS is expensive, but sending messages to patients’ mobiles is a proven way to reduce missed appointments and improve experience. That’s why it’s vital that practices have a way to communicate with their patients that is free and simple to use.”
Digital in the NHS
Yesterday we explored the latest board papers from NHS England, highlighting data insights into the health system’s performance, the implications for digital with regards to the financial state of the NHS, how technology relates to productivity, and more.
Earlier in the week, we noted NHSE’s publication of a pre-procurement notice for a digital weight management programme worth an estimated £23 million, aiming to deliver a behavioural lifestyle intervention over a 12-week period for people living with obesity.
We also reported the news that NHS Blood and Transplant teamed up with Marvel Studios for an online awareness raising campaign around how to donate blood and why it matters.
Recent guidance from the NHS with regards to digital includes clinical guidance for the automation and functionality of patient portals; and guidance to support primary care and general practice teams in using data to understand and manage variations in demand and capacity.
On the NHS App, HTN visited Rewired earlier in the year to learn more about the progress and strategy around the app as well as plans for the future; read more here.
And finally, earlier in July HTN highlighted the order for a full independent investigation into the state of the NHS by new health and social care secretary Wes Streeting.
