Just returned from interesting meeting at which regional plans for NHS digital were outlined. It’s something I need to think more about, but I’m getting towards some ideas on how online could potentially help health service delivery.
I’m thinking mobile apps to monitor fitness, smoking cessation, and nutrition (done – http://www.pure-mac.com/iphone/health.html).
Managing long term conditions with online support (getting there – http://www.jmir.org/2006/3/e13/ and http://www.managinglongtermconditions.com/conference/telehealth.html)
Using Wordpress for corporate web presence (http://www.barnsleyhospital.nhs.uk/)
Online community potential (http://www.netmums.com/)
Rich content readily available (http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/homepage.aspx)
Spirit of innovation in IT (http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/ and http://www.institute.nhs.uk/)
Interest in internal communication (http://www.nhscentreforinvolvement.nhs.uk/index.cfm?Content=103)
Commitment to (customer/patient/people) power and engagement (http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/NHSConstitution/index.htm)
Commitment to web standards and accessibility – well, it’s there, just needs a bit more articulation and oomph.
Ultimately online should support the aims of the service, and – as it is a political animal – bold aims could get marginalised at the expense of immediate demands. But it’s a fantastically exciting environment to be in at the moment. I count myself fortunate to be where I am right now, helping a health service organisation with its external and internal web presence.
Quite how it will work out, no-one knows! But I reckon the ingredients are there… it just needs the right ideas to become the right reality. It’s a challenge, but I’ve never felt as committed to something that could make a real difference. It’s all good.
#1 by No_limits91 on October 23rd, 2009 - 12:30 am
I can tell they are about to go to seed. ,
#2 by Rob Benson on November 16th, 2009 - 8:00 pm
yes, might revise this after a few more months there!