The LMA student app library, first launched in 2020 helping students across their two sites in Liverpool and London to search for and find, safe health apps according to their health needs.
The LMA app library has recently had the latest ORCHA system upgrade, updated with a brand-new look for the new term in August 2024. The new layout gives students the opportunity to search directly for apps or use the handy carousel topics to choose the area they want to search for safe apps in with a curated list of apps designed to meet the needs of students.
The app library also highlights specific focus areas of support around the academic calendar and will highlight one app of the month the student services team have selected to promote.
Since going live in 2020 there have been almost 5000 site visits and more than 13,000 page views, with clear trends throughout the academic year – ramping up at start of term August/September and reaching a peak over the winter term into the new year. Having app library available on the LMA app allows easy access to the as and when students need it and is always in the palm of their hand as we know some students will want to use this even when they are not on campus during holidays.
2024 has seen the highest increase in downloads of digital health apps through the LMA app library. So far this year downloads are 225% up on 2023.
Most students find the LMA app library directly through the LMA app and the academy’s efforts to promote support to the students through newsletters and digital displays around campus – resulting in many hundreds of direct app downloads, and undoubtedly hundreds more in the background once apps have been discovered through the service. Most of the apps explored and downloaded have centred around supporting mental health, relaxation, fitness, sleep and general wellness and nutrition.
Well done LMA!
At ORCHA, we emphasize the importance of assessing digital health technologies for their safety, efficacy and usability through rigorous frameworks, not only for the patient populations they serve, but also for the healthcare providers recommending these tools. An equally important part of this process involves identifying which digital health apps are the right fit for different patient populations and when is the right time to use them.
On Monday, October 28th 2024, The Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) released its third health technology assessment report on Digital Hypertension Management Solutions. The report highlights the important role digital health solutions play in managing hypertension effectively using the approaches of Blood Pressure Monitoring, Medication Management, and Behaviour Change. The key takeaway of the assessment is that medication management solutions had the most evidence to support clinical benefits, such as a decrease in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), long-term savings and improved population health when compared to usual care. The purpose being to guide payers, healthcare organizations and providers on what digital health products have long term benefits and cost savings.
Digital medication management tools are an important component in implementing change in patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension. However, they are just one tool, of many, available to healthcare providers and patients. Chronic Care management should not be approached as one dimensional and requires a multi-layered care model to improve patient outcomes. Healthcare organizations such as Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHCs) and PCPs must consider socioeconomic factors and health equity when creating Plans of Care for their patients and aiming to improve their health. Not all patients have the same access to care or are at the same stage of their health journey. What about the patient that lives alone in an underserved community who does not have the means to drive 20+ miles to see their PCP regularly? Or the patient who has multiple chronic conditions and is struggling to understand the lifestyle changes they need to make to improve their health? Utilizing digital health apps that promote patient education, encourage behavior change and remotely monitor conditions are crucial foundations for building the patient-provider relationship, improving patient engagement and aid in the overall management of chronic conditions such as hypertension.
Working with healthcare systems to implement digital health strategies that address these differences in patient populations, patient acuity and patient access are crucial to the success of digital health adoption, improved outcomes and cost savings. In addition to Digital Health Formularies and App Libraries, creating toolkits for providers, such as a Digital Health Portfolio, ensures access to a range of safe and effective digital health products that can be chosen based on the individual patient and what they will best respond to. ORCHA Digital Care Pathways guide providers to select the appropriate digital health app for a condition at the right time – meeting the patient where they are in their healthcare journey.
Digital health tools, whether remote monitoring, medication management or behaviour change focused, are effective in managing and improving chronic conditions such as hypertension, if chosen correctly by the provider and used to augment usual care. Healthcare systems and providers must be educated and able to choose from a portfolio of safe and effective digital health apps to ensure they are meeting the needs and situation of all of their patients. Digital Health is not a one-size fits all and ORCHA’s mission is to bring the benefits of these quality apps to patients where and when they need it.
If you would like to find out more about Digital Health Portfolios and Digital Care Pathways and how they can be used to benefit patients click here
This groundbreaking solution streamlines the path for digital health innovators seeking access to the NHS. Developed in collaboration with NHS partners the portal powered by ORCHA Health, enables health and care organisations to effortlessly discover, review, and manage trusted digital health solutions that drive better patient outcomes and streamline healthcare operations.
The Digital Health Innovation & Compliance Portal (DHIP) serves as a comprehensive platform, enabling decision-makers across the NHS to easily identify which solutions meet the stringent compliance requirements of NHS schemes, such as the NHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC), DCB0129, GDPR, ISO standards, NICE EVA, and medical device regulations, alongside other critical regulatory frameworks.
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, navigating digital health solutions can be overwhelming. This platform is designed to simplify this process, empowering health and care organisations to discover, assess, and manage digital health tools with ease. From monitoring chronic conditions such as diabetes to professional and administrative support applications to organisations, the portal offers a curated selection of trusted applications (health apps) tailored to meet the specific needs of NHS organisations. With built-in compliance tracking against over 350 standards, NHS organisations can now access pre-vetted, compliant technologies with confidence, ensuring they adhere to key NHS standards for clinical safety, data privacy, cybersecurity, and more.
Streamlined Digital Health Navigation Simplifies the process of finding and managing digital health tools tailored to your organisation’s needs.
Comprehensive Selection of Trusted Apps Offers a wide range of digital health solutions, including apps for chronic care, fitness, and mental well-being, all thoroughly vetted for compliance.
Advanced App Compliance and Assessment Provides continuous compliance monitoring against over 350 standards, ensuring that the apps meet the highest quality and safety benchmarks.
User-Friendly App Information Display Delivers quick access to essential app details like targeted conditions, cost, platform availability, and performance scores.
Search Filters Enhances search capabilities with filters that help users refine results to match specific requirements, improving efficiency and accuracy.
Dedicated Digital Health Resources Features specialised Digital Care Pathways, Toolkits, and Case Studies designed to support patient care and streamline healthcare processes.
Robust App Assessment Process Utilises ORCHA’s comprehensive review and DTAC assessment evaluations to ensure the highest standards in Clinical Safety, Data Protection, and Technical Security are achieved.
Multi-Platform Accessibility Provides transparent app performance data across iOS, Android, and web platforms, making it easier to make informed decisions about digital health tools.
Commissionable Feature Offers an opportunity for organisations to learn about where digital health tools have and are being commissioned increasing access to innovative tools that are already supporting NHS healthcare delivery.
To maximise its effectiveness, the DHIP has formed strategic partnerships with key NHS initiatives. These partnerships ensure that supported technologies align with NHS priorities, offering a streamlined pathway for market deployment:
Neville Young, Commercial Director of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, commented: “The Digital Health Innovation and Compliance Portal is a game-changer for both digital health innovators and NHS commissioners. By simplifying the compliance process and providing a centralised platform, we are enabling the rapid adoption of cutting-edge technologies that can make a real difference in patient care. It’s a vital tool that aligns innovations with NHS needs, accelerating their deployment and ensuring safety and efficacy.”
Liz Ashall-Payne, CEO ORCHA and NHSE NIA alumni added: “The launch of the Digital Health Compliance Portal marks a major milestone in how we support innovation across the NHS. By providing a streamlined route for digital health solutions to achieve certification and market access, this portal empowers entrepreneurs and healthcare innovators to scale their technologies more effectively. It represents a collaborative public and private sector commitment to embracing technology and improving care delivery across the country.”
Are you an NHS organisation looking to access this portal? Contact us today at hello@orchahealth.com to learn how the Digital Health Compliance Portal can accelerate your access to compliant, safe, and effective technologies that meet NHS standards.
Are you an innovator looking to work with the NHS? Contact us today at hello@orchahealth.com to learn how the Digital Health Compliance Portal can accelerate your access and meet NHS standards.
We are excited to introduce the ORCHARD Health Alliance, a dynamic collaboration between ORCHA, Acorn, and Blum. This alliance provides certification for NHS schemes and supports market access via the Digital Health Compliance Portal, offering comprehensive assistance to digital health innovators navigating the complexities of NHS regulations. By incorporating advanced AI-driven solutions, the alliance enhances speed, efficiency, and compliance throughout the innovation process.
Addressing Regulatory Challenges with AI-Driven Support
The development of healthcare technology in England has always been challenging due to strict NHS regulations, clinical safety standards, and cyber/data privacy requirements. The ORCHARD Health Alliance tackles these challenges head-on by offering end-to-end support—from innovation and development to compliance and market access—ensuring products meet all NHS requirements. With the integration of artificial intelligence, the alliance accelerates the development and regulatory processes, allowing digital health solutions to reach the market more quickly and efficiently.
DTAC and Key NHS Certifications
A cornerstone of the ORCHARD Health Alliance is its support for certification under key NHS schemes, including the NHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC). This ensures that digital health innovators meet the highest standards in clinical safety, data privacy, interoperability, and cybersecurity. The alliance not only assists with certification but also facilitates distribution, instilling trust among healthcare providers and patients.
In addition to DTAC, the alliance supports compliance with other regulatory schemes, enabling innovators to expand into new markets with confidence, knowing their solutions are safe, secure, and deployment-ready.
End-to-End Support and Market Access
The Alliance offers innovators comprehensive support at every stage, from ideation and development to compliance. With the added power of AI, innovators can streamline their compliance process and bring market-ready products to the NHS faster than ever before. A standout feature of this collaboration is being placed across all Digital Health Libraries and formularies, and with integration across many Electronic Health Records, this provides a crucial gateway to the NHS market. Healthcare systems can confidently select and recommend compliant digital health solutions that have been thoroughly vetted and certified.
Leadership Insights
“By integrating AI into the compliance and development processes, we are revolutionising how digital health technologies enter the NHS market,” said Liz Ashall-Payne, CEO of ORCHA.
Michael Bell, CEO at Acorn, emphasised, “The ORCHARD Health Alliance is now faster, more efficient, and fully equipped to support innovators at every stage, from compliance certification to market access through our Digital Health Compliance Portal.”
Michal Watts, CEO of Blum, added, “Our expertise in digital health innovation combined with this AI-powered alliance allows us to deliver compliant solutions that seamlessly integrate with NHS frameworks. This partnership accelerates innovation while ensuring that safety, data privacy, and clinical standards are never compromised.”
About ORCHA
ORCHA (the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps) is a trusted leader in assessing digital health technologies for the NHS and global markets, ensuring they meet the highest standards in clinical safety and data privacy.
About Acorn
Acorn provides expert guidance to healthcare innovators navigating the complex NHS regulatory landscape, helping them meet critical compliance, safety, and cybersecurity standards.
About Blum
Blum is a leading developer of digital health technologies, with extensive experience in creating innovative, compliant health solutions that integrate seamlessly into the NHS framework.
Are you a digital health supplier looking to access the NHS market?
Get in touch today to discover how the ORCHARD Health Alliance can help you navigate compliance, certification, and market entry efficiently. Contact us at hello@orchahealth.com for more information!