Site: | OpenLearn Create |
Course: | Discover Digital Guide: your health and wellbeing |
Book: | Digital services in the NHS |
Printed by: | Guest user |
Date: | Sunday, 5 May 2024, 2:26 PM |
Find out more about some of the digital services available in the NHS and how to access them.
Can digital services make some processes and interactions easier?
The aim of digital NHS services is to make some processes and interactions easier, or to use information better. This is to ensure that your care is the best you can receive.
For example:
The examples above are new ways of doing routine tasks, using the internet and digital technology.
Can digital services enable you to do things which would not be possible otherwise?
There are also new technologies which can enable you to do things which would not be possible otherwise.
For example:
In summary, digital technology can allow you to do the things you’re used to, in a better way. But it can also help you do new things, which weren’t possible before.
Can digital services replace face-to-face services?
Digital technology does not mean to replace any face-to-face services completely.
We often hear that digital services work best alongside face-to-face services. But digital technology can do some of the hard work, so you can focus on what matters to you.
There are a lot of online tools available in the NHS today.
Connect Me is the national remote monitoring system used by several NHS services. It enables information about your health and wellbeing to be shared with the healthcare professionals looking after you. This may be to share measurements such as blood pressure, weight or pulse. Answers to questions about how you are feeling or symptoms you have. It may be a questionnaire to find out more about you when you are referred to a clinic before your appointment.
It can also send you reminders or advice to help you take care of yourself.
You may be able to use Connect Me via the following options. Internet or app, SMS text messages or an automated telephone call using the key pad on your phone or mobile.
More information on Connect Me here.
The NHS also provides a service called Breathing Space. This is a free, confidential, phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Call 0800 83 85 87 or visit Breathing Space here.
The following digital self management tools have been developed, or are supported, by NHS Scotland:
For anyone based in Scotland, NHS inform is the best source of health information. You can find information about illnesses and conditions, symptoms and self-help. You can also find information on tests and treatments, advice on healthy living and even information on care, support and your rights. There is also seasonal and topical information that is refreshed frequently.If you are having mental wellbeing challenges, NHS Inform hosts a website called “Mind to Mind”. Mind to Mind offers advice and support on topics such as handling stress, dealing with anxiety and managing sleep.
Through this, you can find thousands of health and wellbeing services in Scotland. It gives you the names, addresses, opening times and service details. You choose the type of service you are looking for and then search using your postcode.The NHS 24 Online app enables you to find your nearest services. You can also access the NHS 24’s virtual assistant, where you can chat about your symptoms. The assistant will let you know what you should do next.
Scotland offers access to digital therapeutics for insomnia and anxiety free of charge. Check out the Sleepio app. Check out the Daylight app.
Care Opinion allows you to share a specific experience of health care or social care. You can say what happened, what was good, and what could have been better. The story is then published (if possible) and shared with staff in the services who need to see it. Often, staff will reply and you will be emailed their response.
So you can use Care Opinion to pass praise on a service you experienced. You can also suggest changes or even just to review other people’s experiences. This can allow you to make an informed choice on the service you decide to visit.
In the UK there are laws that protects personal data.
Organisations must store confidential information securely.
In February 2023, the Scottish Government launched the first-ever Data Strategy for Health and Social Care. It aims to “improve the care and wellbeing of people in Scotland by making best use of data in the design and delivery of services.”
Read the full
Strategy here.