The 10-year health plan means increased digital access to health through a transformed NHS App, a single patient record, and more use of AI and wearable devices . Patients will be able to control their health data, access real-time information from devices, and have a more integrated, patient-controlled experience that moves care beyond hospitals into the community. The plan also acknowledges the need to address issues like digital inclusion and data protection.
Key digital health advancements
Single Patient Record (SPR): A new system will bring together all a patient's medical information into one secure and authoritative account, giving patients more control over their data and enabling more coordinated care.
Transformed NHS App: The app will become a central hub for NHS services, incorporating real-time data from wearables and biometric sensors into a "My Health" tool. It aims to be a "doctor in your pocket" by 2028.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI will be used to support care, from "ambient AI scribes" ( ( tool that creates and writes medical notes) to AI-driven tools that support clinical decision-making and improve productivity.
Increased use of wearables and sensors: The plan encourages the integration of data from smart devices into a patient's record and the NHS App, linking health management with personal technology.
Virtual wards: More acute care will be delivered at home with remote monitoring, supported by digital tools to keep patients connected to healthcare teams.
Implications for patients and the NHS
Patient empowerment: Patients will have greater control over their health information and a more integrated digital front door to the entire NHS.
Shift from hospital to community: Digital tools will support a broader shift towards community-based and home-based care, with services like diagnostics, mental health support, and nursing care delivered locally.
Focus on prevention: The plan aims to use digital tools and data to help people make healthier choices and be reached earlier for preventive care.
Addressing digital inclusion: The plan recognizes the need to ensure that digital transformation is inclusive and accessible to all, which will be a key challenge to overcome.