23/08/2017 - Permalink

Confusing choice of health apps made easier

Related topics: Health / Partner organisations

News from our partners Healthwatch Shropshire

Healthwatch Shropshire has welcomed the creation of the NHS Digital Apps Library that will help people find the best quality apps to use. The NHS tests apps and awards an ‘NHS approved’ stamp if they meet quality standards for clinical effectiveness, safety, usability and accessibility.

Jane Randall-Smith, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Shropshire, said:

“Many people use apps to help them find information about health conditions and to help manage illness. With so many self-help apps available it can be difficult to choose one that meets the highest standards.

“One of the major roles of Healthwatch Shropshire is to signpost local people to the best health information possible and we are very pleased to hear that the NHS has started an evaluation scheme for health apps. It is very important that people know they are using something which meets the highest standards.”

Links to the App library can be found on the Healthwatch Shropshire website, www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk.

Healthwatch Shropshire is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in Shropshire. It gathers the views and experiences of patients, service users, carers, and the general public about services including hospitals, GPs, mental health services, community health services, pharmacists, opticians, residential care and children’s services. It also has statutory powers that it can use to influence service provision by encouraging improvements.

Further information

NHS App Library: https://apps.beta.nhs.uk/

Healthwatch Shropshire is one of a network of 148 Local Healthwatch in England. It is supported by a national organisation, Healthwatch England.

It has a team working in community engagement, plus a volunteer programme, a visit programme to health and social care premises, an advocacy service and an associate membership scheme to involve the public in its work.  It also has a signposting service to help people access health and social care services and support.