Healthcare in the digital era

Healthwatch Central West London undertook research about young people’s experience of digital health care, as it was a priority for them to engage with people aged 18 – 24.  They engaged with 236 young people via a survey and focus groups.

Healthwatch found that there are opportunities for digital innovation in healthcare that could be explored further. Digital technology could be used to avoid follow up visits to health professionals and to empower patients with the necessary knowledge and tools to address their healthcare needs.

Although there is scope for developing digital interventions, there is also a need to maintain the existing face to face approaches that feel more personal and can offer that level of reassurance when needed. A holistic approach was identified as key for mental health and wellbeing in particular, with different choices and options for young people being a priority.

Young people found the idea of being able to take charge of your own health using your phone attractive. Still, with limited knowledge of what digital technology can mean for healthcare, young people found it challenging to explore what this could look like in any depth. The stage at which service users access healthcare and information online seems to be the best point at which to incorporate digital interventions. However, there are concerns about receiving incorrect or unreliable information when searching online (i.e. symptoms checking) and providing personal information. Young people also have a lack of knowledge regarding existing NHS digital interventions that focus on access and symptoms checking; those who were aware of them did not consider them user friendly.

There were three recommendations on how to improve digital healthcare.