GPs To 'Prescribe' Apps For Patients

People could soon be directed to free or cheap apps by their GPs to allow them to monitor and manage their health more effectively.

At an event held today, showcasing the best ideas for new and existing health smartphone apps, the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "So many people use apps every day to keep up with their friends, with the news, find out when the next bus will turn up or which train to catch. I want to make using apps to track blood pressure, to find the nearest source of support when you need it and to get practical help in staying healthy the norm.

"Information about your health is a service – just like the GP surgeries, Walk-in Centres and hospitals that millions of people access every week. With more information at their fingertips, patients can truly be in the driving seat.

"Innovation and technology can revolutionise the health service, and we are looking at how the NHS can use these apps for the benefit of patients, including how GPs could offer them for free."

The latest innovations in smartphone technology will help patients and the public to find and use NHS services, manage conditions and make better lifestyle choices in a way that is very convenient for them.

This follows a call to find the best new ideas and existing smartphone apps that help people and doctors better manage care, which received nearly 500 entries and more than 12,600 votes and comments.

The most popular app ideas were to:

•help manage long-term conditions such as diabetes

•help people deal with post-traumatic stress

•track and monitor conditions such as high blood pressure

•help people find NHS services on a map

•get practical information about keeping fit and eating healthily

The competition identified apps with potentially huge value to patients and the NHS that promote better management of long-term conditions or healthy living.

(CD)