UK's Appetite for NHS-Prescribed Health Apps Soars
The UK's interest in digital health is surging, with over 70% of those under 39 and 65% in their forties eager for NHS-prescribed apps. This comes as policymakers and medical professionals have long pushed for more preventative treatment to stop illnesses early.
Over 60% of the UK population is interested in having apps prescribed by the NHS. This interest is driven by various factors. For instance, 55% of adults have self-diagnosed symptoms online in the past six months due to access issues with GPs.
Medical-grade apps can bring significant advances in early diagnosis and preventative treatment, especially with AI integration. However, the NHS is currently behind in deploying such apps and digital services, with little smart technology used in treatment support.
The high demand is for apps treating or preventing conditions like depression, pain management, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. While the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) likely oversees the regulation of digital medical services, including prescription apps, for the NHS, specific details about its role in rapid introductions are unclear. The NHS must catch up with the demand and potential of medical apps to improve patient care.
