Technology and Apps are key tools in disseminating information to users. As smartphones are predominantly our go-to source for information it makes perfect sense that we should also be able to access our health information in this way.

This is backed up by the latest report from The Patient Coalition for AI, Data and Digital Tech in Health (the Digital Coalition) showing how patients value and use the NHS App.

In compiling the report that is based on the views of over 600 respondents across England, more than three in four (78%) said they use the NHS App, finding it easy and of value.

However, more than one-third said they couldn’t access key information they wanted through the NHS App such as test results (39%) or personal health records (36%).

GPs prevent access to health records

One key aspect generated from this survey is that there are GP practices that are preventing access to some health records. This is despite NHS England asking that they make their patient health records accessible via their App.
Some of the respondents in the report stated the inconsistency of what information they can access and what they cannot access, impacts their motivation to use the App.

A fifth rarely or never use the NHS App

This survey also highlighted that more than a fifth (23%) of respondents never or rarely used the NHS App for technical reasons, including issues with:

• Accessing a smartphone
• Downloading the App
• Registration
• Logging in.

A third do not want to engage with technology

Unsurprisingly, more than a third (36%) of the respondents do not want to engage with technology or do not see the benefit of using the App and would prefer to speak to a person instead. As a result, they never or rarely used the App.

Another key factor from the survey is that there is a significant lack of skills and confidence in using the App, which could become a key driver for the NHS in educating patients to upskill them so they become more confident in using this App.

You can read the report here: Public and Patient Experience of the NHS App.