Key Takeaways
- The NHS App overhaul could deepen health inequalities by potentially excluding those less comfortable with digital technology.
- Experts stress the necessity of retaining traditional communication options alongside digital advancements.
- Concerns arise that the digital-first approach may leave vulnerable populations, especially older adults, at a disadvantage.
NHS App Overhaul Raises Concerns
The UK government’s 10-year health plan to overhaul the NHS App has raised significant concerns among academics at Brunel University of London. Catia Nicodemo, a health economics professor, warns that promoting the app as the primary access point to NHS services could alienate individuals who struggle with digital technology, thereby exacerbating existing health inequalities.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting asserts that the introduction of AI tools in the app will “democratise healthcare” by offering NHS patients access that rivals that of private healthcare users. However, Nicodemo argues that the focus on a digital-first model may further disadvantage groups lacking the necessary skills and resources. In particular, older adults, as highlighted in the age demographic studies, may find themselves unprepared to engage with the technology.
Dr. Bryan McIntosh, a reader in healthcare management at Brunel, adds his perspective by emphasizing that marginalized populations are often overlooked in technological advancements. He states that while technology can enhance healthcare accessibility, it must prioritize a human-centered approach rather than a consumer-driven one.
According to Ofcom, approximately 6% of UK households still lack internet access, while Age UK reports that 33% of individuals aged over 75 possess insufficient digital skills. Elizabeth Anderson, the chief executive of the Digital Poverty Alliance, echoes concerns about the implications of the NHS App’s modernization, which, although beneficial to many, does not consider the 19 million people in the UK facing significant barriers to digital access. These barriers stem from limited device availability, poor connectivity, and inadequate digital literacy.
Anderson emphasizes that any push towards digital solutions in healthcare must be inclusive and come with adequate support to not further entrench health disparities. She warns that as health services increasingly transition online, sufficient digital infrastructure must be established to support these changes.
In response to these criticisms, the Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it is developing a Digital Inclusion Action Plan aimed at maintaining non-digital communication methods alongside the app’s enhancement. A spokesperson stated that their goal of modernizing the NHS would forge a future-ready institution while ensuring inclusivity.
Moreover, the department claims to be collaborating with patient groups and community partners to co-develop the NHS App. They have engaged more than 2,000 NHS App ambassadors and partnered with over 1,400 libraries and community organizations to provide free, one-on-one support for developing digital skills.
This commitment signifies an awareness of the challenges posed by a digital-first strategy, though critics argue that without comprehensive measures to address digital poverty, the NHS App’s transformation may lead to increased inequalities and strain already burdened healthcare services. Ensuring that all individuals can access and benefit from digital advancements remains a critical issue as the NHS evolves.
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