From Today, ORCHA Libraries Only Display Reviews Using this New Criteria
The measure of what makes a good app is constantly evolving. Health bodies, industry and government regulators regularly introduce new standards and update criteria and many areas of digital health analysis and assessment are still evolving at pace. It can be hard to know which standards a digital health technology must meet, and to evaluate whether a tool does in fact meet the necessary standards.
The ORCHA Review enables this evaluation. Our intelligent platform looks at a technology’s nature and purpose, identifying which, from more than 350 factors across the many digital health standards and measures it must meet. The unique ORCHA system then looks at how appropriately the digital health technology meets these relevant standards.
ORCHA regularly updates its review platform, to ensure new important medical, IT and usability standards are embedded into the review process.
Today, ORCHA launches its latest platform update, Version 6 (V6), its most robust and effective to date. Health and care bodies can be assured that the thousands of app reviews published on ORCHA app libraries from today also only display how apps perform against this latest v6 criteria, and only apps achieving a score of over 65% will be listed. For example, V6 will check against requirements such as the MDR, CQC and GPhC (if applicable), and the Digital Health ESF.
The ORCHA platform is now also able to add new bespoke test criteria, covering all components of national and international digital health assessment frameworks, including the NHSX DTAC, the draft ISO 82304-2 and the German Diga model.
First launched in 2015, the ORCHA Review has been used to assess 8,000 health apps to date. Its independent reviews now populate regional and national health app libraries across the world, helping health professionals connect patients and the population with only safe and effective health apps.
We are delighted to have co-authored a research paper, published in ‘Frontiers in Digital Health’, entitled: “Early warning signs of a mental health tsunami: A coordinated response to gather initial data insights from multiple digital services providers”.
ORCHA’s insights draw on our knowledge of how demand for digital health solutions for mental health has changed throughout the pandemic, as well as how such solutions can have a positive impact on mental health.
The study, led by Dr Becky Inkster from the University of Cambridge, shows that, for the first time ever, digital providers and experts from over 20 countries have gathered a staggering number of insights about mental health during the pandemic, from potentially upwards of 50 million users worldwide.
ORCHA’s Founding CEO, Liz Ashall-Payne, commented:
“At ORCHA, we’ve watched the use of mental health apps increase by over 200% during lockdown. This valuable Cambridge project shines a light on a crisis in the making and we must continue to collaborate to ensure citizens are supported in every way possible.”
Click here to read the University of Cambridge’s press release for more information on the research paper, and to access the publication in ‘Frontiers in Digital Health’, please click here.
We want to invite you to kick-start the new year with complimentary CPD-certified elearning at HETT Reset, (08-12 February 2021), a digital health and healthtech event designed for healthcare professionals, by healthcare professionals.
With healthcare organisations seeking to lock in the gains and progress made by the sudden and unprecedented transformation in the use of digital health services in response to COVID-19, we will cover topics critical to the successful adoption and integration of technology in all healthcare settings.
We are proud to be supporting HETT Reset and have some exciting sessions planned over the 5-day event, including a full day focused on Digitally Empowered Patients, chaired by our CEO, Liz Ashall-Payne.
Below is what you can expect to hear at HETT Reset:
We’re also running a dedicated apps and wearables session at 16:00 on Friday 12th February which will cover:
Your complimentary online pass will give you access to over 30 hours of conference-level content with over 150 speakers, a virtual exhibition with a line-up of innovative suppliers and endless networking opportunities.
Here are some useful links:
We look forward to seeing you there!
A high proportion of people in the UK are living with overweight or obesity, increasing their risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. Meanwhile, social distancing and self-isolation impact face-to-face weight management services.
The use of technology is a good answer to providing services, but how can we provide evidence-based care, combat misinformation and ensure a rapid roll out of technology that is safe, effective and does not put the public at risk of harm?
Our report, developed with The Association of UK Dietitians (BDA), outlines the situation and shares advice and best practice on how to embed digital health in weight management services.
Click on the PDF icon below to download the Digital in Weight Management Services Report. Discover:
If you are experiencing any issues with downloading the report, or want to know more, please get in touch with us at hello@orcha.co.uk or on +44 (0) 1925 606542
