Digital Apps: A help or hindrance? Understanding and accessing digital healthcare apps

Healthwatch City of London reviewed local health apps available to people. They talked to local people and professionals.

The report has three key findings:

• The number of apps/digital platforms that are now used is confusing.
• The different apps/platforms don’t connect to each other; therefore, patients have to access several to get all the information they needed.
• There is a lack of language and disability access options.

Key recommendations

• The Integrated Care Board and Local Authority should work together to facilitate digital access to all through support, advice and practical help, particularly with setting up and using the basic functions within the NHS app.
• Apps need to work together more effectively or be centralised into one app so that patients have fewer apps to access and are able to understand how to use them better.
• All digital apps should be compliant with the Accessible Information Standard and meet the requirements for those with any additional needs
• Service providers to have adequate information accessible to those who can’t access services digitally.