A new private, at-home diagnostic service that has become the first to be integrated into the NHS app has been described as a “win-win” for GPs.
The integration allows patients to carry out a test for cardiovascular disease, with results given in just nine minutes. It provides patients with:
- A full cholesterol panel test
- Their heart age
- 10-year risk of a heart attack or stroke
- BMI score
- Access to follow-up treatment options if necessary
The service has been used by thousands across the country, with initial roll-outs via pharmacies, community centres, and NHS partnerships in North East and North Cumbria, West Yorkshire, Cambridge and Peterborough, and Cornwall.
“The evidence behind the value of early detection of Cardio, Metabolic and Renal disease is very clear,” explained Dr Neil Paul, a senior GP in Cheshire.
“Services like this can free up time in our surgery and the integration with the patient record means I am getting data on patients whom I would not normally be aware of — it’s a win-win.”
It is estimated by The King’s Fund that cardiovascular disease costs the NHS around £7.4bn annually — and the wider economy £15.8bn.
This test could help with early detection as it enables people to undertake blood tests, learn about the disease, share their results with the NHS almost instantly; this process can take weeks currently. The integration is made possible by UK digital diagnostics company PocDoc.
To learn more about the digital health agenda, watch an exclusive online conference hosted by National Health Executive that discussed everything from technologically enabling the workforce, addressing health inequalities through the power of digital, virtual wards, and the growing capabilities of AI.
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