Technology
Federated Data Platform, which will serve as the national data infrastructure to connect and analyse data from multiple sources, including the single patient record.3
New legislation will
allow patients the right to access their record, place a duty on providers to record information into it and enable the data to be used for research and service improvement. There is also a section describing
transformative technologies, which they have called the five ‘big bets’. These include AI to drive productivity and patient choice; genomics and predictive analysis; wearable technologies; robotics; and further investment in joined up data.4 The King’s Fund expressed the view that not enough learning from past struggles with IT in healthcare have been acknowledged. The key foundations for good implementation of technology, such as infrastructure, shifting behaviours and changing workflows and processes, seem to have been largely ignored. Many in the service would say that the focus should be on getting the foundations right, building capabilities and reducing variation across different parts of the system.5
NHS App It is envisioned that the front door to the NHS, when the constituent parts have been developed, will be via the App, which was designed and worked before COVID-19. There will be many and varied aspects to the App including: Access to a personal health account: A patient owned hub for health data, including self-testing results. It will include NHS Approved wearable data (such as smart watches), and eventually a comprehensive single patient record.
Manage appointments: Book, modify and manage appointments with GPs and other services more easily and efficiently.
Receive information and notifications:
Get reminders for appointments, test results, vaccination alerts, health checks and provider performance data to support informed care choices. The app will also support digital patient- initiated follow-up.
Use enhanced AI features: Tools like My Companion (AI powered device). My Choices (service comparison and selection) and virtual mental health support. Engage in preventative care: Integration with digital health checks for over-40s, linking results with personalised AI tools for a holistic health journey. Participate in clinical trials: A new feature
will allow users to search for and enrol in trials, reducing bureaucracy and increasing participation. Enable data access and interoperability: With
patient consent, data will be securely shared across NHS-accredited providers to support co-ordinated care. Access a digital ‘Red Book’: A modernised, app-based version of the child health record, offering centralised access to developmental tracking, advice and support. Mental health integration: The app will support self-referral to talking therapies, via My Specialist tool. For mild to moderate needs, virtual therapists will offer 24/7 support. For those with severe mental illness, remote monitoring could enable proactive crisis response. This is the brave new healthcare world.
However, some of the caveats are that digital inclusion is vital to ensure the uptake of effective solutions. People at risk of exclusion fall into three main groups: l Those without affordable devices. l Those lacking digital skills or confidence. l Those preferring traditional channels.
There is a view from some older people that technology might distance them from NHS staff.6
The Health Foundation found that four
in ten individuals over 65 years name face- to-face interaction as their most important consideration when using NHS technology. Across the UK there are 7.9 million people without basic digital skills, while 1.6 million do not have a smart phone, tablet or laptop, and 21 million struggle to afford their mobile contract. Disenfranchising this many of the population by all that is heralded by the 10-Year Plan is a serious issue which needs tackling, so that equity is supported and the situation does
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I May 2026
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