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HealthTech Scotland: NHS to launch new Health and Social care app as a ‘Digital Front Door’ for patients

Lloyd Price

Exec Summary:


The Scottish Government has announced plans to roll out a new health and social care app that will act as a "Digital Front Door" to the NHS for patients. The app is expected to be launched in Lanarkshire later this year and will eventually be rolled out across Scotland.


The app will allow patients to access a range of services online, including booking appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, and viewing their medical records. It will also provide patients with information about their health and how to stay well.


The Scottish Government believes that the app will help to improve access to healthcare services for patients and reduce the burden on the NHS. It is hoped that the app will also help to improve the quality of care for patients.


The rollout of the app is expected to be phased, with new features and services being added over time. The Scottish Government is working with a range of partners to develop and deliver the app.


This ‘Digital Front Door’ will begin rollout from the end of this year, starting in Lanarkshire, and, over time, it will become an ever more central, ever more important access and management point for care in Scotland.

First Minister John Swinney's speech about improving public services and NHS renewal, given at the National Robotarium in Edinburgh, on Monday 27 January 2025.



NHS Scotland's new health and social care app is designed to significantly enhance patient self-management. Here's how:


  • Increased Access to Information:


    • Health Information: Access to reliable health information and resources, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health.

    • Condition-Specific Resources: The app may offer tailored information and support for specific health conditions, enabling patients to better understand and manage their conditions.


  • Improved Communication and Collaboration:


    • Secure Messaging: Patients can communicate securely with their healthcare providers, facilitating easier access to advice and support.

    • Shared Decision-Making: The app may facilitate shared decision-making between patients and healthcare professionals, ensuring that treatment plans align with patient preferences.


  • Remote Monitoring and Self-Tracking:


    • Data Collection: Patients may be able to track their health data (e.g., blood pressure, weight, medication adherence) using the app.

    • Remote Monitoring: This data can be shared with healthcare providers, enabling them to remotely monitor patient progress and intervene as needed.


  • Personalised Support:


    • Reminders and Alerts: The app can provide timely reminders for medication, appointments, and health checks.

    • Personalised Plans: The app may offer personalised care plans and support tools based on individual patient needs and preferences.


  • Increased Independence:


    • Self-Management Tools: The app can provide patients with tools and resources to manage their health conditions independently, reducing reliance on face-to-face appointments.


Nelson Advisors work with Healthcare Technology Founders, Owners and Investors to assess whether they should 'Build, Buy, Partner or Sell' in order to maximise shareholder value > https://nelsonadvisors.co.uk/

 

Healthcare Technology Thought Leadership from Nelson Advisors – Market Insights, Analysis & Predictions. Visit https://www.healthcare.digital 

 

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Scottish Government's plan to launch a new health and social care app.


The key aspect of Scotland's initiative is the strong emphasis on integrating health and social care services within a single digital platform. This holistic approach is crucial for improving patient outcomes and streamlining care delivery. Here are some of the key points:


  • Digital Front Door: The app will serve as a central point of access to NHS services for patients in Scotland.


  • Key Features:


    • Appointment Booking: Patients can schedule and manage appointments.

    • Prescription Ordering: Repeat prescriptions can be ordered online.

    • Medical Records Access: Patients can view their medical records.

    • Health Information: The app will provide health information and resources.


  • Benefits:


    • Improved Access: Easier access to healthcare services.

    • Reduced Burden on NHS: Streamlining processes can alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.

    • Enhanced Care Quality: Potentially better health outcomes through improved patient engagement.


  • Rollout:


    • Phased Approach: The app will be introduced gradually, with new features added over time.

    • Lanarkshire Launch: The initial rollout is planned for Lanarkshire.

    • Nationwide Expansion: The goal is to eventually make the app available across Scotland.


This initiative reflects a growing trend towards digital health solutions and aims to modernise healthcare delivery in Scotland.



Scotland's potential to become a global HealthTech Hub


Several factors are driving Scotland's potential to become a global HealthTech hub:


  1. Strong Research Base: Scotland has a long-standing reputation for excellence in medical research, with world-class universities and research institutions. This provides a solid foundation for innovation in the HealthTech sector.


  2. Government Support: The Scottish Government has been proactive in supporting the development of the HealthTech sector, providing funding, grants, and incentives to encourage innovation and growth.


  3. Collaborative Ecosystem: Scotland has a collaborative ecosystem that fosters partnerships between academia,industry, and healthcare providers. This facilitates the translation of research into practical applications.


  4. Talent Pool: Scotland has a skilled workforce in technology and healthcare, making it an attractive location for HealthTech companies.


  5. Geographical Location: Scotland's location in Europe provides easy access to other European markets, while its strong ties with the United States offer opportunities for global expansion.


  6. Data-Driven Approach: Scotland has a strong focus on data-driven healthcare, which is essential for developing innovative HealthTech solutions.


These factors combined make Scotland a promising destination for HealthTech companies and startups seeking to make a significant impact on global healthcare.


Increasing Venture Capital Investment in Scottish HealthTech


Scotland has witnessed a growing trend of venture capital (VC) investment in HealthTech companies. This surge in investment is driven by several factors:


  • Innovative Ecosystem: Scotland's strong research base, supportive government policies, and collaborative ecosystem create a favourable environment for HealthTech startups.


  • Global Recognition: The country's success in digital health initiatives, such as telemedicine and AI-powered diagnostics, has attracted international attention and investment.


  • Strategic Partnerships: Scottish HealthTech companies are forming strategic partnerships with global players, providing them with access to larger markets and resources.


To further stimulate VC investment in Scottish HealthTech, several initiatives are underway:


  1. Funding Programs: The Scottish Government and private investors are providing funding programs and grants to support HealthTech startups.


  2. Incubators and Accelerators: A network of incubators and accelerators is offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to help HealthTech companies grow.


  3. Regulatory Support: The Scottish Government is working to streamline regulatory processes to facilitate the development and commercialisation of HealthTech products.


  4. Talent Development: Efforts are being made to develop a skilled workforce in HealthTech, including through education and training programs.


By fostering a supportive environment for HealthTech innovation and attracting VC investment, Scotland is positioning itself as a global leader in this rapidly growing sector.


Scotland's history of medical and healthcare innovation


For more than 200 years, Scotland’s scientific discoveries have served as critical stepping stones for the advancement of modern medicine. Scotland has been at the forefront of pioneering medical innovations such as:


  • 1760 - the discovery of quinine as cure for malaria

  • 1847 - chloroform used in anaesthesia

  • 1853 - the first hypodermic syringe

  • 1928 - the discovery of penicillin

  • 1996 - Dolly - the world's first cloned sheep

  • 2004 - the world's first hand-held video-enabled laryngoscope

  • 2006 - i-Limb the world's first multi-articulating prosthetic hand

  • 2014 - development of SERS meningitis test

  • 2015 - pioneering 3D printing of stem cells


In Scotland, you’ll find a rich talent pool featuring almost 250,000 health staff and 160,000 social care staff, in addition to:


  • Around 74,000 people currently working in digital technology

  • More than 7000 people working within the digital health and care technology companies

  • An industry supplemented annually by around 94,000 graduates and a pipeline of nearly 16,000 graduates with digital health expertise


Nelson Advisors work with Healthcare Technology Founders, Owners and Investors to assess whether they should 'Build, Buy, Partner or Sell' in order to maximise shareholder value > https://nelsonadvisors.co.uk/

 

Healthcare Technology Thought Leadership from Nelson Advisors – Market Insights, Analysis & Predictions. Visit https://www.healthcare.digital 

 

Buy Side, Sell Side, Growth & Strategy services for HealthTech Founders, Owners and Investors. Email lloyd@nelsonadvisors.co.uk

 

Nelson Advisors Healthcare Technology Newsletter > Mergers, Acquisitions, Growth, Strategy, Insights & Predictions. Subscribe Today! https://lnkd.in/e5hTp_xb 

 





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