Transforming Primary Care podcast – Getting the most out of the NHS App

Primary Care Transformation Team, NHS England – North East and Yorkshire

by Katie Day, Digital Support Officer at Conexus Healthcare

I have been an NHS App Ambassador for almost a year. This role has granted me access to informative webinars about upcoming improvements to the App, as well as an Ambassadors Teams channel where we can discuss queries and problems, providing each other with valuable peer support.

I had the exciting opportunity to participate in a podcast titled ‘Getting the Most Out of the NHS App,’ alongside two fellow Ambassadors from the North East and Yorkshire region. This was my very first podcast experience! We were sent the discussion points beforehand to help us prepare, but let’s be honest, there’s only so much you can prepare for something you have never done before! The points for discussion were as follows:

Agreed discussion points:

• How the NHS App has evolved in recent times (pensioners are the most active users!)
• What approaches have been successful when engaging NHS general practice staff and the public with the NHS App? (benefits to practices themselves of the core functions the app can offer – e.g. reduction in patient calls for repeat prescriptions and test results and benefits of a trusted, centralised SMS capability)
• What challenges do you face in your role – what are the main barriers to using the app and how have you overcome them?
• The future of the NHS App – the next things on the roadmap that will be particularly useful in our region. How enhanced features and functionality will continue to evolve in line with current planning.
• Addressing health inequalities using the NHS App – current campaign and work in libraries

Despite feeling a bit nervous at first, it was fantastic to discuss all the amazing initiatives our Digital and Transformation Team has been leading to promote the NHS App in Wakefield. It’s incredible to see how useful the App has become for patients!

Our efforts include organising a District Wide TARGET Event for Reception and Admin staff to boost their confidence in assisting patients with the App. We have also been training Health Champions to provide NHS App support in their practices, which has led to a doubling of prescriptions ordered through the App. Additionally, we’ve attended events at the Wakefield Deaf Society and Carers groups to promote the App’s benefits.

Most recently we have been setting up our own Digital Champion Group, where patient volunteers will help support other patients in the community.

I am really looking forward to hearing the podcast once it’s published on the NHSE SoundCloud account during November’s Primary Care Week! 😊

Editor’s note:

Katie and the team are doing some really great work helping people across the Wakefield District and we wait with anticipation to listen to the podcast.

Follow Katie on LinkedIn to find out more about what NHS App Ambassadors get up to!!