Key Takeaways
- Macmillan Cancer Support has launched a library of independently assessed health apps for cancer patients.
- The apps are evaluated for safety, usability, privacy, and security by ORCHA.
- The initiative aims to increase confidence in digital tools for managing cancer care and support overall wellbeing.
New Digital Resource for Cancer Patients
Macmillan Cancer Support has introduced a curated digital health app library designed to assist individuals living with cancer in accessing independently assessed health apps. This initiative aims to provide tailored digital health tools that have been rigorously evaluated for clinical safety, usability, privacy, and security.
The Macmillan App Library consolidates a variety of digital resources verified by the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA). This reliable platform aims to enhance the confidence of cancer patients in selecting digital applications to manage their condition, obtain trustworthy information, and find support that extends beyond traditional healthcare environments.
Dr Anthony Cunliffe, the lead medical adviser at Macmillan, emphasized the growing reliance on apps among cancer patients. He noted that the lack of a trustworthy method to identify safe and beneficial tools has been a significant issue. The library aims to address this gap by providing a starting point rooted in independent assessments, allowing users to focus on what truly matters in their care.
Designed with the specific needs of cancer patients in mind, the library features apps targeting various cancer types and stages across the care continuum, from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and ongoing support. Additionally, it includes tools focused on broader wellbeing concerns, such as mental health, sleep, pain management, and the practical aspects of living with a chronic illness.
With the rise of digital health technologies, there is an increasing demand for resources that facilitate patient self-management outside of conventional healthcare settings. The Macmillan App Library responds to growing concerns about the quality and safety of the health app market by ensuring that every product included is subject to thorough, independent review by ORCHA.
The assessments cover critical factors, including clinical safety, data privacy, security, and user experience. Moreover, these products will undergo ongoing reassessment to ensure they adapt to evolving standards and continuously meet quality criteria.
Liz Ashall-Payne, founder of ORCHA, highlighted the potential of digital health to significantly aid cancer patients, contingent on the trustworthiness and effectiveness of the tools being used. She expressed pride in collaborating with Macmillan to deliver quality-assured digital health solutions to those in need.
Both Macmillan and ORCHA have expressed intentions to expand the library further and are encouraging digital health companies with oncology-relevant products to seek inclusion. Eligible technologies will go through ORCHA’s assessment process prior to being added to the library, with future reassessments established to maintain necessary standards.
Overall, this initiative aspires to build an extensive library of independently assessed digital health applications aimed at supporting individuals impacted by cancer at various stages of their care journey, thereby increasing the availability of reliable digital health technologies in the realm of oncology.
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