Bid to encourage use of health apps

GPs will be asked to recommend apps that are free or cheap for their patients to use

Published: 12:05am, 22nd February 2012
Updated: 12:23pm, 27th February 2012

Doctors will be encouraged to help patients use their smartphones to manage their health, the Government has said.

An event showcasing the best ideas for new and existing phone "apps" is being held to create a shortlist of tools that could be used in the NHS.

GPs will be asked to recommend apps that are free or cheap for their patients to use, such as ones to manage conditions including diabetes.

Other favourites are apps to help people deal with post-traumatic stress, to track and monitor blood pressure and to help people find NHS services on a map.

Popular existing apps include Patients Know Best, where patients get all their records from their clinicians and can control who accesses them.

It is already used in some hospitals including Great Ormond Street and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

A new diabetes app gives people reminders on checking blood sugar levels and taking medication. Information can then be sent electronically to the patient's surgery or clinic.

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.

"With more information at their fingertips, patients can truly be in the driving seat."