GP practices across the UK will soon have the opportunity to trial cutting-edge technology designed to facilitate video consultations and appointment bookings. This technology, developed at a cost of £5 million, will be available as a free trial to NHS practices.
The digital health company behind this initiative plans to roll out its bespoke technology in collaboration with five groups of NHS practices and one significant practice in England over the next two months. Patients will also have the option to use the company’s app-driven repeat medicine delivery service, which remains free for NHS patients.
The founder and CEO of the company stated, “Finally, digital health and NHS GP practices can work collaboratively to strengthen patient support – at no cost whatsoever. We are offering an evolution of a traditional way to see a GP for all NHS patients by using NHS funds already in the system.” The technology assists patients by enabling GPs to maintain their patient base, rather than losing them to other practices offering online consultation services.
This technology will not only include an option for patients to select the company’s prescription delivery service but will also allow them to choose a different pharmacy for dispensing their medication if preferred. This ensures compliance with ‘prescription direction’ regulations, which prevent GPs from directing patients to specific pharmacies for their medicines.
The company’s founder further explained, “We will also offer practices the chance to use our GPs, free of charge, to carry out additional video consultations – such as for evening appointments – with a view to driving more people to use our app. We will look to work with practices to utilise their GPs for a couple of hours a week and do multiple virtual consultations, or they can use our GPs, depending on how many patients from their practice fulfil their medication needs. Best of all, it is completely free of charge.”
The names of the practices involved in the initial testing phase will be announced shortly. The company has expressed interest in extending this technology to additional GP practices in the future.
Last year, the company became the first digital health provider in the UK to be assured by the Care Quality Commission for meeting all requirements within the new enhanced digital guidelines, with no areas for improvement.
This initiative represents a significant advancement in digital health, providing a cost-free solution for NHS practices to enhance patient care through video consultations and efficient prescription management. The forthcoming trial will likely shape the future of GP services in the UK.