News and events

Helping people on Elective Care waiting list

Over eight weeks, this campaign not only helped provide support to people when they needed it, improving their health, but also saved Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership £189,906.

 We hope the Government reconsiders its decision

We are surprised by the Government’s decision to reject a straightforward recommendation – an accreditation scheme for third-party healthcare apps verified by the NHS.

 PainDrainer™ wins first Nordic Best Health App Award

The Swedish health app PainDrainer™, a digital self-management device designed for individuals suffering from chronic pain, has won the inaugural Nordic Health App Award.

Top 5 FAQs – Clinical safety standards NHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) 

Your questions answered: clinical safety requirements to pass the NHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC), Clinical Safety Officers and DCB0129.

ORCHA launches SAFE APPS campaign to help consumers choose safe digital health apps

Guidelines to choosing safe, high-quality health apps from the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA).

Health and Social Care Committee Calls for Central Systems to Ensure Safe Third-Party Health Apps 

Following the inquiry into digital transformation in the NHS, the cross-party Health and Social Care Committee has now published its recommendations. Read our response.

Digital health attitudes and behaviour report 2023

To better understand the nation’s true opinions on digital mental health support, ORCHA commissioned independent research to ask 2,000 UK residents what they think.

Revolutionising Healthcare: Clinical Leads Discuss the Future of the NHS and Digital Health 

Find out what our clinical leads think about digital health and the crucial role it has to play to help alleviate pressures on the NHS.

Mental Health Commission of Canada Launches Digital Mental Health Framework

Our partner, The Mental Health Commission of Canada has launched its digital mental health app assessment framework.

ORCHA Welcomes Pete Rowse as New chairman

It is our great pleasure to announce that Pete Rowse has been appointed as our new Chairman. On behalf of the entire ORCHA team, we extend a warm welcome and are thrilled to have him on board.

Digital Health in the UK Attitudes and Behaviours Report 2023

A new ‘Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement’ Digital Health Academy learning module has been created to support the development and delivery of patient-centric technologies

We’re bridging the gap between health innovators and patients

A new ‘Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement’ Digital Health Academy learning module has been created to support the development and delivery of patient-centric technologies

The Budget: A Spring Forward for Digital Health?

Following the rapid growth of the digital health sector, healthcare professionals and citizens now have distinct and different needs from their health app libraries – and so ORCHA has created products exactly tailored for each of these two audiences.

The UK’s first Digital Health Formulary and a Health App Library just for citizens

Following the rapid growth of the digital health sector, healthcare professionals and citizens now have distinct and different needs from their health app libraries – and so ORCHA has created products exactly tailored for each of these two audiences.

600,000 A&E Admissions Could be Prevented with a Nationwide Deployment of Key Digital Health Products in Primary Care

Researchers at ORCHA and the University of Warwick have identified that digital health products such as health apps could make a substantial contribution to tackling NHS urgent care pressures, by keeping patients out of hospital in the first place. 

ORCHA at the Health and Social Care Select Committee

ORCHA was invited to the Health and Social Care Select Committee to discuss the steps that will help the NHS accelerate its digital transformation. 

Digital health sector will take advantage of landmark new UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement 

Digital health companies ORCHA and Cogniss have announced a global partnership that will benefit from the new UK-Australian Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which has just passed through the UK House of Commons and is anticipated to come into effect in 2023.

First thousand frontline workers complete ORCHA training academy

One thousand delegates from across the NHS and care sectors have logged onto the new ORCHA Digital Health Academy and completed foundation training modules.

NHS National Diabetes Prevention Case Study: Health apps make a difference for people with diabetes

Watch our digital health case study to hear from participants of the diabetes prevention programme about the successes of the project.

New research shows diabetes health apps can help patients reduce blood sugar levels

New published research finds that diabetes-specific health apps reduce long-term blood sugar levels in patients with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes.

His Majesty The King invites ORCHA to Buckingham Palace

The event, initiated by King Charles, will recognise and celebrate the contribution of small businesses to the UK economy.

New study into liver disease shows doctors recognise the potential of digital health interventions

Healthcare professionals involved in a new research project believe that digital health interventions can help patient care management.  

Digital for mental health attitudes and behaviour report 2022

To better understand the nation’s true opinions on digital mental health support, ORCHA commissioned independent research to ask 2,000 UK residents what they think.

Digital health attitudes and behaviours report 2022

ORCHA has commissioned independent research to ask 2,000 UK residents what they think of digital health.

Data security of period tracking apps

The assessment team at ORCHA has examined the privacy policies of 25 period tracker apps and revealed significant flaws.

Liverpool Metro Mayor opens ORCHA’s new offices at Sci-Tech Daresbury

Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, visited ORCHA on 24 October, to meet the team and celebrate its extensive new premises.

ORCHA’s founding CEO presented at the United Nations yesterday

Liz Ashall-Payne, founding CEO of ORCHA, presented yesterday at a United Nations symposium on digital health, streamed by UNESCO to 150 countries.

Hull patients to benefit from collaboration between Patients Know Best and ORCHA

Patients using the Patients Know Best portal to access their medical records and interact with the professional teams will be offered several opportunities, via the platform itself, to get free access to an ORCHA digital health library containing hundreds of highly rated health apps.

How do you best measure the usability of a digital health product?

ORCHA’s research team collaborated with Ulster University on a piece of research to discover whether the System Usability Scale can be used to reliably assess the usability of digital health products.

ORCHA celebrated as one of UK’s top 50 HealthTech companies

ORCHA celebrated as one of UK’s top 50 HealthTech companies .

A Level and GCSE results are due – here are five apps to help teens cope

ORCHA has selected five mental health apps which could help anxious teenagers as they wait for their A Level and GCSE results (due on 18 August and 25 August).

Digital health products to help the NHS catch up with routine health checks

Public Health England commissioned ORCHA to produce a report that identifies a series of digital health products which can safely and effectively assist healthcare professionals and patients with the NHS Health Check.

84% of period tracker apps share data with third parties

Experts reveal an industry-wide issue with where and when users of period tracking apps are asked for their permission to share their data.

ORCHA’s response to the Government’s first ever Women’s Health Strategy, published today

Statement from Liz Ashall-Payne, founding CEO, ORCHA

ORCHA’s response to the Government’s first digital health and care plan, published today

Statement from Liz Ashall-Payne, founding CEO, ORCHA

‘Tipping point’ reached as public say they prefer health apps to antidepressants to support mental health conditions

Consumer research published on 9th May 2022 reveals that people aged from 18 to 44 years old would choose digital health to support a mental health condition over and above prescription medication, such as an antidepressant

The world’s first cross-border digital health accreditation system to be launched at HIMMS Europe

The Nordic region aims to be the most integrated health region in the world by 2030, according to the Nordic Council of Ministers. A shift towards digital health, and its focus on the self-management of health by Nordic populations, will be an important step on this journey, but it also brings new risks

Government: 75% of adults to be using NHS App by March 2024. But how is the nation responding to this health revolution at our fingertips?

As the government sets ambitious targets for the use of the NHS App, independent research into the nation’s use of health apps asks, for the first time, whether health apps are actually helping us self-manage our health – and the result is ‘striking’

Digital health supports social prescribers in Humber and North Yorkshire

Digital health supports social prescribers with the Citizens Advice Clinic in Humber and North Yorkshire.

ORCHA’s Founding CEO contributes to The Economist’s Technology Quarterly

Liz’s contribution discusses the appetite for digital health, and the quality of health and care apps that are available

New Digital Health Assessment Framework Launches in the US

ORCHA collaborate with major U.S. Bodies in delivery of a new U.S. framework for assessing digital health technologies.

ORCHA expands Clinical Advisory Team

To ensure patient safety and professional fit and function remain at its forefront, ORCHA has appointed GP and digital health expert Tom Micklewright as Clinical Director

New website provides reliable health apps to Sefton

People in Sefton can now help themselves to live healthier, happier lives using accredited health applications included on sefton.orcha.co.uk. 

UK’s first digital health training programme for all NHS frontline staff

UK’s first digital health training programme for all NHS frontline staff: the Digital Health Academy, with support from Health Education England, brings a massive boost of digital health skills

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board to partner with leading digital health app review and distribution company

Patients who are supported by the Wellness Improvement Service (WISE) at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board will soon have personal access to a Digital Healthcare Library.

ORCHA’s Liz Ashall-Payne named Entrepreneur of the Year at Women in IT Awards

The founding CEO of ORCHA, Liz Ashall-Payne, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Women in IT awards

ORCHA insights inform Policy Exchange report

ORCHA insights inform Policy Exchange report. The report proposes the need to reform general practice and enable digital healthcare at scale

Two ICSs set to pilot a new digital health Elective Care Toolkit

Two NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) are piloting a new digital health Elective Care Toolkit designed to support overstretched NHS staff

Yorkshire Smokefree using digital health products to support service delivery

Since introducing Yorkshire Smokefree remote service, 72% of participants remained a non-smoker after 4 weeks when using the remote services

Loneliness: Praise for health apps which offer social interaction

We need to give loneliness the attention it deserves, particularly at this time of year when those sufferers can experience it even more. Try digital health to beat loneliness this year.

How a health app became a ‘gamechanger’ in continence services

Professor Nikki Cotterill and Knut Schroeder developed CONfidence, a discrete, informative health app for those experiencing continence issues

Digital Health Accreditation in the Nordics: A cross-border initiative for integrated digital health provision

N!P is working towards establishing the Nordics to be the first region in the world to establish common cross-border standards

ORCHA partners with Best For You – transformative mental health care for children and young people

ORCHA is very proud to announce a partnership with Best For You: a new initiative from leading NHS organisations that will transform mental health services for children and young people.

Web-based internet searches for digital health products in the United Kingdom before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a time-series analysis using app libraries from ORCHA

We explored if consumer interest in digital health products (DHPs) changed following the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures that ensued

Barriers and Facilitators to the Adoption of Mobile Health Among Health Care Professionals From the United Kingdom: Discrete Choice Experiment

Despite the increasing availability of mobile health services, clinical engagement and use of health-apps remains minimal. This study aimed to identify and prioritise barriers to and drivers of health app use among health care professionals (HCPs) from the United Kingdom

The role of health-care providers in mHealth adoption

We interviewed groups of digital health experts, practice nurses, allied health professionals, secondary care doctors, and general practitioners to determine the factors important to health-care providers for considering the recommendation of DHTs to patients

Effective? Engaging? Secure? Applying the ORCHA-24 framework to evaluate apps for chronic insomnia disorder

In this study we assessed the quality of apps for chronic insomnia disorder, available on the Android Google Play Store, and determine whether a novel approach to app assessment could identify high-quality and low-risk health apps in the absence of indicators such as National Health Service (NHS) approval

Comparing applets and oranges: barriers to evidence-based practice for app-based psychological interventions

Published in: BMJ Evidence-based mental health: Comparing applets and oranges: barriers to evidence-based practice for app-based psychological interventions. Poor-quality pharmaceuticals and medical devices rarely make it to market; however, the same cannot be said for app-based interventions

App-based psychological interventions: friend or foe?

Health-apps are one solution the NHS has recommended to fill the gap between patient need and he capacity of incumbent NHS psychological services

The Daily Telegraph features ORCHA research

During the summer we surveyed 2000 consumers to find out more about how they were using health apps

BMJ Open study shows significant & sustained interest in digital health products throughout lockdown

Research scientists led by Simon Leigh, head of research at ORCHA, have examined web-based internet searches for digital health products before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

On World Mental Health Day, ORCHA reports that the use of mental health apps is still on the rise

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, ORCHA’s researchers have been watching trends in the use of digital health for mental health support

My Life Plan’s experience of the DTAC

MY LIFE PLAN selected ORCHA as its partner for the DTAC. The process took five months and was achieved in a series of steps, with sections submitted and feedback given

ORCHA reconfigures its services to support developers from start to finish

Developers of digital health products can now have a partner to lead them through every step of the planning, accreditation, certification and distribution process for their innovation

Get DTAC ready at HETT…and save 10%

To accelerate the adoption of the DTAC across NHS and Social Services, we are offering a 10% discount on ORCHA DTAC reviews booked at HETT

Seven Integrated Care Systems roll out ORCHA across the South West

Seven Integrated Care Systems roll out ORCHA across the South West. System levels up digital to empower 5.6 million citizens and save 30% in costs

The Pharma Industry Highlights the Potential for digital apps

‘App development is a golden opportunity – but pharma companies need to be wary’. Pharma industry highlights potential for digital apps

Join Us at HETT21: You’re invited to the ORCHA Digital Patient Zone – Register Today!

Get DTAC ready, meet top scoring digital health suppliers, hear about our new products and so much more…

Get Active and win a FitBit with our ORCHA Digital Health App Finder

ORCHA is holding a competition for AHPs who are ORCHA Pro License holders, to run alongside the yearly Twitter We Active Challenge

Clear Mind Project: Teen boys help other teens find mental health support

A group of teenage boys are working together to figure out how technology, in the form of health apps, can support their peers through tough times

ORCHA speaks at European mHealth Hub’s Hub Talks 2021: Digital Health Assessment Frameworks

Discussing European digital health assessment frameworks, including projects that ORCHA has worked on in the Nordics, Netherlands and Israel

How do Digital Health Standards Assess Evidence?

An international snapshot of how evidence is defined around the world

Digital Health Accreditation in the Netherlands

Improving the lives of those living with a mental health condition

Patients Seek Digital Health to Reduce Pressure on the NHS

ORCHA commissioned research to ask people in the UK what they think of digital health

Dubai Health Centre to spearhead growth of digital health in UAE

Citizens and expats based in Dubai will have access to the Middle East’s first digital health library, thanks to a ground-breaking partnership between the Osteopathic Health Centre, Dubai, and ORCHA.

Feeling Good passes the new NHS DTAC

Feeling Good is amongst the first products to become compliant with the new NHS DTAC

SilverCloud Head of Europe joins ORCHA as MD

Dr Humphreys joins the ORCHA team following a period of accelerated growth for the organisation

ORCHA’s digital health insights featured in national newspapers

Only around 20% of health and care apps are safe, secure, and meet clinical standards

ORCHA featured in the DIT’s ‘First 100’ Digital Health Playbook

The campaign, launched by the Department for International Trade (DIT), articulates the exportable strengths that the UK has in healthtech.

Digital Medicine Technologies for Mental Health & Stress Management: Video

ORCHA’s Business Development Manager George Kowalski discusses digital health solutions for mental health and stress management.

Derbyshire Public Health spearheads digital revolution in wellbeing services

Derbyshire County Council has joined forces with ORCHA on an ambitious long-term project to embed the use of health apps and online tools into its services.

Empowering Young People to Self-Manage their Mental Health and Wellbeing

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust works with ORCHA to establish health apps library.

Best-in-Class Apps for London’s Digital Mental Wellbeing Service

Good Thinking, London’s Digital Mental Well-being Service, worked closely with ORCHA to identify the best in class apps.

Which digital for mental health recovery action plans?

Our mental health report lists 5 top quality apps to help with: anxiety, depression, teen mental health and self-harm.

Digital health for cancer services: Report

Find out how digital health can help in cancer services

365 days since lockdown

Exploring the milestones in digital health since 16 March 2020.

How Dorset is Becoming a Digitally Enabled Population

How did Our Dorset establish a ‘digitally-enabled Dorset programme’ to increase the use of technology in the health and care system?

Health apps for long COVID self-management: Report

Discover the impact of long COVID in services today

ORCHA features in BBC News article: ‘Most healthcare apps are not up to NHS standards’

Under which criteria do many apps fall down?

Check your app against the NHS DTAC

What does the DTAC mean for digital health reviews?

New ORCHA V6 Review Incorporates the Latest Standards

New ORCHA V6 Review incorporates the latest standards. From today, ORCHA Libraries only display Reviews using this new criteria

ORCHA Co-Authors Mental Health Research Paper with the University of Cambridge

‘Early warning signs of a mental health tsunami: A coordinated response’

Join ORCHA at HETT Reset 2021

Join ORCHA at HETT Reset 2021. The UK’s Leading Healthtech and Digital Health Event. Live and Online.

Digital in Weight Management Services: BDA and ORCHA Report

Report, developed with The Association of UK Dietitians (BDA), shares best practice on digital health in weight management services.

Can you help ORCHA recruit its exec team and 100 new positions?

ORCHA is looking to grow its team by more than 100, starting with a number of board-level executive positions, to find the brightest talent in its next phase of growth.

COVID-19: Digital Health Trends & 2021 Opportunities Report

What digital health trends emerged in 2020 and what is predicted for 2021?

MindTech 2020: The changing appetite for psychological mHealth solutions

Health Economist Simon Leigh presents his research and findings into the appetite for psychological mHealth solutions.

Open call for products capable of delivering NHS Digital Health Checks

If you have a product that can help with NHS Digital Health Checks, we want to hear from you!

ORCHA Published in Healthcare Enablers 2020

We are proud to have contributed to Healthcare Enablers 2020. The book explores how we can work together to make healthcare technology an integral part of our healthcare system.

Behaviour change: digital health interventions

Our latest news roundup.

Top 5 actions from the new NICE guidelines

We’ve summarised the 5 most significant points from this helpful and practical tool for anyone developing, commissioning, or using digital health.

Staffordshire Public Health Changes Lives with Digital Health

Council services tackle smoking, obesity and diabetes with new engagement tools. What results has the programme seen?

ORCHA CEO features in UK-Japan Symposium on Data-Driven Health

Read the full write-up of the key messages to emerge from the conference, featuring Liz Ashall-Payne’s insights.

Join us at Virtual HPN Expo 2020

Join us at Virtual HPN Expo 2020. We are delighted to be a media partner for Virtual HPN Expo 2020. Register to join us at the event.

On-demand CPD webinar: Augment mental health services with digital health

On-demand CPD webinar: Augment mental health services with digital health.

Digital Health for Winter Pressures

Our latest insights on how digital health can help…

ORCHA works with Nordic Innovation to launch Nordic Digital Health & Medication Platform

ORCHA works with Nordic Innovation to launch Nordic Digital Health & Medication Platform for health app accreditation and distribution.

ORCHA features in Waitrose Weekend Newspaper: Get fit with your phone

American Telemedicine Association partners with ORCHA to launch review process in the U.S.

American Telemedicine Association partners with ORCHA to launch digital health review process in the U.S.

Digital health and COVID-19: opportunity and threat

How can we overcome the accreditation gap to safely and effectively accelerate the adoption of digital health?

ORCHA approved as a digital marketplace supplier on the government’s G-Cloud 12

ORCHA’s platforms and services have now been approved on the Government’s Digital Marketplace G-Cloud 12 framework.

How to introduce apps into a clinical pathway

How to introduce apps into a clinical pathway. Dr Tamsin Brown explores the demand for health apps and discusses potential solutions.

ORCHA CEO featured in OBI Property’s HealthTech Roundtable

How can HealthTech power the North in a post-COVID…

Digital Healthy Schools: welcome back!

Digital Healthy Schools: welcome back! Help to support your students with their return to school, focusing on their mental health.

COVID-19: Digital Health Trends Report

Since COVID-19 arrived, there has been a 25% rise…

mHealth 2030 Report

We ask worldwide leaders from across mHealth: what will…

The best technology to augment mental health services

The best technology to augment mental health services. Dr Tom Micklewright shares his independent views on mental health apps that achieve good ORCHA Scores.

What is the health of mental health apps?

Amongst the 3,857 mental health apps available in unregulated…

ORCHA partners with NHS London Procurement Partnership

Developed in partnership with ORCHA, NHS London Procurement Programme’s Dynamic Procurement System allows NHS organisations to rapidly procure digital health solutions at scale.

Study ranks what NHS professionals require to adopt digital health

Study ranks what NHS professionals require to adopt digital health. Two barriers to mHealth prescription revealed.

Best Apps for Helping Self-Management of Diabetes at Home

Dr Micklewright next looks at how the Diabetes Forum app provides a moderated peer-to-peer support network to people with diabetes.

Task group driving digital health readiness

A new group has been formed to drive forward…

British Lung Foundation launch technology hub to support people with lung conditions

British Lung Foundation launch technology hub, supporting people with lung conditions to use technology to help manage their condition better at home.

The Association of UK Dietitians Launches App Library

The Association of UK Dietitians launches App Library to help people to access wellbeing help during COVID-19.

Best Health Apps for Paediatrics

Best health apps for paediatrics. Dr Tamsin Holland Brown demonstrates and shares her personal views of how these apps can benefit children’s health and wellbeing.

NeLL & ORCHA to optimize App Checking Process

NeLL & ORCHA to optimize app checking process. The organisations are planning to bring together their expertise to provide guidance on the digitalisation of care pathways.

Is Digital Health in your Return to School Plan?

Is Digital Health in your Return to School Plan? An increasing number of schools are using digital health as a proactive measure to support their students’ mental and physical health.

COVID-19 Quarterly Digital Health Trends

We share our data insights from the first quarter…

How to access your Digital Healthy Schools app library

How to access your Digital Healthy Schools app library. Empower young people to embrace and responsibly use apps to support their own health and wellbeing. 

Guest Article: How Enhanced Software Application Can Benefit the Patient Experience

Guest Article: How Enhanced Software Application Can Benefit the Patient Experience, written by Cloe Matheson.

COVID-19 App Developers Discover Loophole in App Store Regulations

How have app developers been bypassing app store security?

GP Demonstrates 3 Apps for Managing Heart Health at Home

GP Dr Tom Micklewright discusses his views on three apps for managing heart health that have scored well in ORCHA’s Review.

Northern Ireland Health Minister Announces New Health App Library Launch

We are proud to support Northern Ireland’s new Health…

A rise in UK health and care services introducing an App Library

As the NHS, social care organisations, and local authorities, continue responding to the COVID-19 crisis, ORCHA is seeing a growing number introducing bespoke App Libraries to help their patients, professionals and service users find the best health and care apps at this time.

Our vision for the new NHS Digital Health Technology Standard

ORCHA’s call to NHSX: Our vision for the new NHS Digital Health Technology Standard replacing the Digital Assessment Questionnaire.

ORCHA Launches COVID-19 Health App Formulary

ORCHA today launches a COVID-19 health app formulary to help healthcare professionals and consumers know which health apps they can trust.

Apps for Remote Physiotherapy

Apps for Remote Physiotherapy. Learn more about apps for remote physiotherapy that have scored well in ORCHA’s Review.

Video: The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Launches App Library

How apps can help as part of assessment, treatment compliance, monitoring symptoms, and allowing people to self-manage

GP Demonstrates 3 Apps for Remote Asthma Management

Dr Tom Micklewright discusses his views on three apps…

Apps to help the vulnerable

Apps to help the vulnerable. We are running a series of webinars to help health and care workers learn about which apps can provide the best support to their vulnerable communities

Coronavirus: Apps to help the elderly

How can health and care apps keep pressure off…

Coronavirus: Apps to help children and young people

Coronavirus: Apps to help children and young people. As schools across the UK close to most children, 8.2 million young people will now be kept at home. 

Digital Healthy Schools: Your Questions, Answered

Saira Arif answers our most frequently asked questions for the Digital Healthy Schools programme.

5 minutes with… Ms Claire Parkinson

5 minutes with Ms Claire Parkinson, Associate Assistant Headteacher at Ashton Community Science College, about how her school has found the Digital Healthy School programme.

Coronavirus: Apps to help self-management

Apps to support self-care for all during COVID-19

NHS LPP adds 5 new categories to Dynamic Purchasing System

Apply now!

Best health apps for sleep

Top-scoring apps to help patients improve sleeping patterns

February/March News Digest

February/March ORCHA News Digest. The most significant digital health market developments from the past month.

March 2020 Digital Health Events

March 2020 digital health events. If you want to attend an event to stay abreast of the market, here are the events we recommend attending.

How is ORCHA Unlocking the Power of Digital Health?

Want to know more about ORCHA? Watch this two minute video to find out more about how we work with organisations and health bodies worldwide to unlock the power of digital health!

Webinar Catch-up: Building an App Library for People Living with Dementia

Webinar catch-up: Building an App Library for People Living with Dementia. Watch again and download the slides.

Workshops: Beyond Algorithmic Systems and Trust

Workshops: Beyond algorithmic systems and trust. Join our workshop with commissioners of mental health services.

ORCHA to Sponsor SEHTA’s International MedTech Expo

ORCHA to sponsor SEHTA’s International MedTech Expo. Come and join us to meet other like-minded SMEs in digital.

Global Health App Evaluator, ORCHA, Exhibits Apps Library at Arab Health 2020

Global health app evaluator, ORCHA, exhibits apps library at Arab Health 2020, as part of the Academic Health Science Networks (AHSN).

January 2020 Digital Health Events

January 2020 digital health events. If you want to stay abreast of the market, here are the events we recommend attending.

New Year News

ORCHA New Year News. Keep up to date with the most significant digital health market developments. Accurate, impartial and up to date advice on finding the best health apps.

3 apps for New Year’s Resolutions

ORCHA tests more apps than anyone else. Here are hree top-scoring apps that will help kick-start New Year’s resolutions.

ORCHA in Top 20 North West ‘Companies to Watch out for in 2020’

We’ve been named one of the region’s most exciting…

Accessible Apps: Which Languages are Most Supported?

Accessible apps: Which languages are most supported? What are the top 5 most supported languages for apps on ORCHA’s App Library?

ORCHA CEO elected for techUK Health and Social Care Council

ORCHA CEO elected for techUK Health and Social Care Council to help techUK represent the healthtech industry in its totality.

Commonwealth Centre for Digital Health to Launch Safe mHealth Platform with ORCHA

A digital future in Uganda and across the Commonwealth

ORCHA Highly Commended in Business Culture Awards

ORCHA highly commended in Business Culture Awards. The Business Culture Awards recognise those companies who have taken notable steps to creating a stand-out business culture.

Diet and Weight Loss Apps Rating Map

Three key takeaways revealed

New EU Medical Device Regulations Seminar

New EU Medical Device Regulations seminar with ORCHA and SEHTA. Are you prepared for the changes coming into effect soon?

November Digital Health Events

November digital health events. If you want to attend an event to stay abreast of the digital health market, here are our recommendations.

Latest news from ORCHA!

Latest news from ORCHA! The most significant digital health market developments from the last month from our team of experts.

Improving Me – Women’s Health Case Study

Improving Me – Women’s Health Case Study. Dr Devender Roberts discusses the impact apps can make in the delivery of maternity care

3 Top Apps for Women’s Health

Take a look at our videos

ORCHA a Partner for Digital Health Society Summit

ORCHA a partner for Digital Health Society Summit, held on the 11th and 12th December 2019 in Helsinki, Finland.

ORCHA App Zone showcases the ‘need to know’ health apps

ORCHA curated and hosted an App Zone at HETT19, a conference that unites NHS digital leaders with health technology suppliers.

Video: NHS London Procurement Partnership launches purchasing system for health apps

Watch the video with NHS LPP

ORCHA and NeLL: working together on the international development of reliable digital care

Optimally integrating digital healthcare applications into existing healthcare processes

Applying Solutions to the NHS: An Interview with Liz Ashall-Payne

What is ORCHA’s solution to the digital health challenges of awareness, access, trust and governance? An Interview with CEO Liz Ashall-Payne

NHS London Procurement Partnership invites tenders for health and social care apps

NHS London Procurement Partnership introducing a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for mHealth applications, enabling a streamlined and compliant route to market.

Top Tips for App Developers: Privacy Settings

How to personalise an app experience with privacy settings

App Regulation: GDPR

App Regulation: GDPR. As a developer, staying up to date with the latest app regulations and standards is essential.

Mental Health Apps Rating Map

What are our three key takeaways?

Launching ORCHA Connect

Launching ORCHA Connect. Our ORCHA Connect service will introduce you to a suitable specialist supplier proven to deliver results to developers.

Top 3 Dementia Apps

Exploring the role health apps can play in managing…

Case Study: HSCNI Apps 4 Dementia

Case Study: HSCNI Apps 4 Dementia. We’re sharing how health apps can make a practical difference to people living with dementia and their carers

ORCHA at NHS Expo 2019!

ORCHA at NHS Expo 2019! Find us in the AHSN Network Innovation Exchange Zone, where we will demonstrate ORCHA’s Solution for trusted mHealth adoption.

MIND appoints ORCHA to address the Dutch ‘jungle’ of health apps

MIND appoints ORCHA to address the Dutch ‘jungle’ of health apps. MIND wants to ensure people are better informed about the quality and functionality of apps so they can make a choice from the entire range more easily

ORCHA to host App Zone at HETT 2019

ORCHA to host App Zone at HETT 2019, with 12 app developers with top scoring apps on ORCHA’s extensive App Library.

Top Tips for App Developers: Personalisation

Top tips for app developers: Personalisation. Sharing tips to help app developers produce the best health apps.

App Regulation: NICE’s Evidence Standards Framework

App Regulation: NICE’s Evidence Standards Framework. Key points to consider when incorporating NICE’s Evidence Standards Framework into app development.

Blood Pressure Apps Rating Map

Blood pressure apps rating map. ORCHA reviews more than 120 of the market’s most downloaded heart and blood vessels apps.

3 Apps to Tackle Summer Pressures

ORCHA tests more apps than anyone else. Here are three top-scoring apps that are designed to help people better manage their health in the summer months.

Case Study: Fitmums and Friends

Fitmums and Friends case study. Learn more about the results of Fitmums’ partnership with ORCHA to help its members access a wide range of safe and effective health apps.

ORCHA Launches User Experience Project with App Developers

ORCHA has been awarded a grant by Innovate UK, enabling ORCHA to work with app developers and health bodies to develop a new, effective industry standard for measuring User Experience.

What are ORCHA’s Best Diabetes Apps?

Five top-scoring diabetes apps

3 Minutes With: Dr Taz Aldawoud

We spoke with Dr Taz Aldawoud, Bradford GP and Clinical Board Member at NHS Bradford Districts CCG, to understand why the CCG is turning to apps and what is important for them.

Top Tips for App Developers: Presentation

Top Tips for App Developers: Presentation. To help app developers produce the best apps, we’re sharing tips to help to set your app apart from the rest!

3 Minutes With: Rachel Dunscombe

Rachel and her colleague, Jim Ritchie, explain how they led the introduction of health apps at one of NHS England’s global digital exemplars (GDEs).

Femtech Apps Rating Map

Results revealed in a 3D map

App Regulation: Care Quality Commission

App Regulation: Care Quality Commission. Staying up to date with the latest app regulations and standards is essential for app developers.

Dementia Apps Rating Map

Insights into the dementia apps landscape

ORCHA’s Top 10 Tips to Make a Great Health and Care App

Navigate your way to making your app one of…

ORCHA Approved as a Digital Marketplace Supplier on the Government’s G-Cloud 11

Find out what this means and how to engage

Our Chapter in SEHTA’s ‘2019 Accessing the NHS Guide’

Advice, understanding and knowledge for health technology SMEs wanting…

New ORCHA Health App Quality Mark

New ORCHA Health App Quality Mark. Look out for these badges and then read our review to get the full picture.

Health Apps in Suicide Prevention with Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide

Providing vulnerable young people with access to safe resources…

What are the best pregnancy apps?

What are the best pregnancy apps? Want to find the best pregnancy apps but don’t know where to start? ORCHA is your trusted health app guide.

CEO Liz Ashall-Payne Discusses ORCHA’s Review Accreditation Engine in HIMSS Interview

CEO Liz Ashall-Payne Discusses ORCHA’s Review Accreditation Engine in HIMSS Interview with consultant John Crawford.

Important Standards and Regulations for App Developers

Important standards and regulations for app developers. Making staying up to date with the latest app regulations and standards easier for you so that your apps can provide the best customer experience, whilst also meeting the standards required for safe, ethical and high-quality apps.

Research in npj Digital Medicine journal parallels ORCHA’s vision for validated health apps

Featured in international journal, npj Digital Medicine, a study into digital health validation solutions by American research university, Johns Hopkins University and its affiliates, directly parallels ORCHA’s vision for validated health apps.

Brian O’Connor Appointed Chair at Health App Watchdog ORCHA

ORCHA, is delighted to announce the appointment of shareholder, director and investor Brian O’Connor as Non Executive Chairman.

eGP Learning Reviews ORCHA!

eGP Learning Reviews ORCHA! eGP Learning provides a range of services to help with technology-enhanced primary care and learning.

ORCHA Published in The Lancet Digital Health

We are absolutely delighted that this research has been…

News from ORCHA

News from ORCHA. Here we highlight the most significant market developments and news from over the past month.

Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust on Using Safe Mental Health Apps

Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust on using safe mental health apps. Dr Jessica Dean explains the dangers of using untested health apps in mental health

3 Apps to Improve Men’s Health

3 Apps to improve men’s health. Health apps enable men to better understand and take control of their health.

Apps to support Mental Health Awareness Week

Apps to support Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or gender.

ORCHA CEO Interview: Health App Innovators have to “step-up”

ORCHA’s CEO, Liz Ashall-Payne, was recently interviewed by MobiHealthNews, in which she discussed the health app landscape.

Connecting the dots in Maternity and Baby Care

ORCHA recently participated in Digital Health Society’s online workshop ‘Connecting the Dots in Maternity and Baby Care’.

Mersey Care has an App for That

Mersey Care has an app for that. Senior clinicians at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust have partnered with ORCHA, the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Applications.

How Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is choosing apps

How Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is choosing apps across its hospital and community services, helping its self-management approach.

Three prevention apps you should know about

Prevention apps you should know about. Here are three top scoring apps that are designed to help patients avoid critical situations.

Merseyside Innovation Awards

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that ORCHA is the March winner for the Merseyside Innovation Award (MIA)!

ORCHA Featured in Digital Health News

After recently sponsoring The Royal Society of Medicine’s ‘Medical Apps: Mainstreaming Innovation’ event on Thursday 4th April 2019, ORCHA has now been featured in Digital Health’s news report on the event.

ORCHA CEO is Women in Technology FINALIST for Inspire Awards 2019

The Inspire Women Awards, now in its fifth year, celebrate…

ORCHA to Speak at Best of North West Tech Event

As the provider of the world’s biggest health app library and…

ORCHA to Sponsor Royal Society of Medicine Event

ORCHA is sponsoring the Royal Society of Medicine’s ‘Medical Apps: Mainstreaming Innovation’ event on Thursday 4th April 2019.

Embracing the Landscape of Health Apps

Embracing the landscape of health apps. Read on for an insight into the landscape of digital health, and watch Liz’s interview with Health Tech Digital below to find out more.

Liz Ashall-Payne named in prestigious BIMA 100 for 2019

Liz Ashall-Payne named in prestigious BIMA 100 for 2019. To be named as part of the BIMA 100 is a prestigious accolade.

Digital Healthy Schools Launches Across Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Schools

Digital Healthy Schools Launches Across Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Schools after being successfully trialled in schools last year.

Overcoming OCD – One App at a Time

According to OCD UK, there are an estimated three quarters of a million people suffering from severe, debilitating and life-impacting Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the UK alone.

NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme Includes ORCHA

Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP)

Our Top 3 Reproductive Health Apps

Our top reproductive health apps. Here are three apps designed to help people with their reproductive health concerns that achieve high scores.

NHS Long term plan- What’s the future for Children’s digital health?

NHS Long term plan- What’s the future for Children’s digital health? Plan highlights the importance of innovation and development to improve efficiency in the NHS.

NHS Long term plan – What 3 things will activate the nation?

The NHS long term plan acknowledges that services must…

The NHS Long term plan – a new insight into the possible

The NHS Long term plan – a new insight into the possible. The plan highlights the importance of innovation to improve efficiency in the NHS.

LMA Case study- ORCHA in a University

LMA Case study- ORCHA in a University. Home to X Factor’s LMA Choir, Liverpool Media Academy helps thousands of young people on their journey into the world of performing arts.

Business Ideas for 2019: Personal health apps

Business Ideas for 2019: Personal health apps. From treating neck pain to sending medication reminders, smartphones are putting health management into the hands of consumers.

ORCHA’S 12 Apps for Xmas

What better way to enjoy the lead up to the festive season than discovering new ways each day to manage and improve your health through health apps.

Parents and Teachers…We Need You!

Do you know the options available to children if they were interested in a career in digital health? Please take this short survey.

CEO Liz Ashall Payne Makes the 301 Female Tech Trailblazer List

CEO Liz Ashall Payne makes the BusinessCloud 301 Female Tech Trailblazer List of the UK top female entrepreneurs and pioneers of tech.

Encouraging Uptake of Health Apps Across the NHS

Encouraging uptake of health apps across the NHS. Eleanor Smith MP chaired a parliamentary roundtable discussion on Tuesday 16 October 2018, supported by Roche Diabetes Care.

TOP 3 WINTER PRESSURE APPS

With the burden of winter pressures set to continue, utilising health apps to help manage conditions has never been more significant. 

Choose Apps This Winter

Choose apps this winter as the coming months exacerbate conditions and bring additional pressures to NHS services.

Educating the next generation around health apps

Educating the next generation around health apps. We live in a digital world and none are more digitally savvy than our young people.

Top 3 Apps for Making Changes Stick

Top 3 apps for making changes stick. Here are three apps that we recommend for the 3-4 million trying to give up smoking.

NHS Digital enlists ORCHA to help populate App Library

NHS Digital has enlisted the help of a third-party app evaluator to speed up the number of clinically-approved tools available on the NHS Apps Library.

Bradford and Craven CCGs Promote Mental Wellbeing with Technology

A new mobile app comparison service by NHS Bradford district and Craven CCGs supports people with their mental health and wellbeing.

ORCHA approved as a Government Supplier on G-Cloud 10

We are delighted to announce that ORCHA services have…

General Practice safely unlocks the power of health apps

General Practice safely unlocks the power of health apps

Pupils Put their Mobiles to Good Use

Pupils put their mobiles to good use. Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria has rolled out an education programme, Digital Healthy Schools, for more than one thousand pupils in twenty secondary schools across the region.

ORCHA Wins Chamber of Commerce Award

We are delighted to announce that Liz Ashall-Payne, CEO, ORCHA, was named Entrepreneur of the Year, in the Halton Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise 2018 Awards.

Making it even easier to find good health apps.

Home to the world’s only comparison site of health…

A Digital Supplement for Eating Disorder Service

A digital supplement for Eating Disorder Service. An estimated 89,600 people across Lancashire have an eating disorder and this figure is growing by 7% each year. 

ORCHA team up with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine

We have teamed up with the British Society for Lifestyle…

Two innovative NW health organisations selected for national NHS support

Two innovative health products developed in Merseyside and Cheshire…

Driving Digital Health Apps with Business Growth Hub

We have entered into a partnership with Greater Manchester’s…

ReThink: AN MHEALTH/SEXUAL HEALTH AWARENESS CASE STUDY

ReThink, a group of KS4 students from Ormiston Rivers Academy in Essex, are are looking at how to increase the use mHealth solutions and apps to raise awareness of taboo subjects such as sexual and mental health, and issues surrounding the LGBT+ community.

Digital Healthy Schools Evaluation

Digital Healthy Schools evaluation. Much like information found on the internet, the quality of health apps is largely unclear, with a number having the potential to result in more harm than good. 

ORCHA and Lancashire Evaluation – Phase 1 Pilot Report

ORCHA and Lancashire Evaluation – Phase 1 Pilot Report. Lancashire Evaluation Report Summary. Phase 1 effectively went live in January 2017.

Applying the ORCHA-24 framework to evaluate apps for chronic insomnia disorder

Mobile-health offers many opportunities, however the ‘side-effects’ of health-apps are often unclear. 

Options available to NHS patients when choosing apps

In a new blog post, Trustech investigate the options available to NHS patients, when looking for the right app to help manage their condition.

Digital Attitudes Survey North West London

Digital Attitudes Survey with The North West London (NWL) Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and the Healthy London Partnership (HLP).

Health app developers get support in Yorkshire and Humber

A strategic partnership between the Yorkshire & Humber Academic…

ORCHA named in the HealthTech top 100 influencers

ORCHA named in the HealthTech top 100 influencers. A survey was recently conducted by Onalytica, to see which individuals, brands and publications were leading the social media debate in health tech.

ORCHA and TSA Give Health Apps Industry Seal of Approval

ORCHA and TSA (TSA is the industry body for…

What is limiting the potential of health apps?

Liz Ashall-Payne, (our CEO), recently spoke (at the Women…

Ambiguous advice, questionable quality: How a lack of development & evaluation standards is preventing the potential of health-apps

If you can think of an ailment, concern, or…

Lost in the maze of Health IT Standards and Regulations?

Lost in the maze of Health IT Standards and Regulations? The world of health IT and app compliance can be an impenetrable and, at times, almost mystical field. 

A Guide to Apps for the Public and Professionals

A guide to apps for the public and professionals. Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria, including Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council have partnered with ORCHA.

ORCHA nominated in 101 Tech Startup Rising Stars List

ORCHA are delighted to announce that we were chosen from over 300 nominations from across the UK for BusinessCloud’s 101 Tech Startup Rising Stars List, sponsored by UKFast.

Thousands sign up for new health app comparison site

Thousands of people in Lancashire and South Cumbria have used a new health and care app comparison site since its launch at the start of the year.

Welcome to ORCHA, Clive Flashman!

Welcome to ORCHA, Clive Flashman! ORCHA are delighted to introduce and welcome Clive Flashman who is joining ORCHA as Director of Strategy.

NHS Digital Health and Care Survey London

How we use and interact with technology is improving every day and helping the NHS provide services to you, the patient.

Health professionals think health apps would really benefit their patients

Health professionals think health apps would really benefit their patients. Liz Ashall-Payne, ORCHA founder, talked exclusively to BJ-HC about the complex process of reviewing apps.

Recommend an app to a patient? Three things you need to know

Guest article by Dr Sanjeev Maharaj Recommending an app to a patient? Three things GPs who see value in mobile applications need to know.

Watch our founder on Health TV

Watch our founding CEO, Liz Ashall-Payne, discussing ORCHA and digital health on Health TV.

Driving mHealth uptake in Lancashire

Driving mHealth uptake in Lancashire. After months of preparation, testing (including with patients and clinicians) and tweaking, the region’s own portal is live and creating a buzz.

Healthy Apps for Healthy Schools in Essex

Healthy apps for healthy schools in Essex. Having initially scoped the programme for 5 schools, intense interest meant that roll out was extended to include 5 secondary schools and 6 primary schools in Essex.