Doctor on call: NHS to recommend health apps

GPs will recommend nearly 500 apps in an attempt to cut visits to doctors. Could this be beneficial to patients? What apps are available?

By Charlotte Beugge

The health secretary Andrew Lansley has produced a list of nearly 500 smartphone apps which will be recommended by the NHS, it is revealed.

GPs will be asked to recommend apps that are free or cheap for their patients to use in an attempt to give patients more power and reduce visits to doctors, according to the BBC.

Apps that will be suggested include one which allows those with food allergies to scan bar codes on food packets in shops so they can be warned if they contain dangerous ingredients.

In addition, there is a diabetes app from Diabetes UK which gives people reminders on checking blood sugar levels and taking medication. Information can then be sent electronically to the patient's surgery or clinic.

Other apps that will be suggested to patients include tools to help people deal with post-traumatic stress, to spot breast cancer, track and monitor blood pressure and the NHS Choices app, which helps people find NHS services and offers practical advice.

Another popular app is Patients Know Best, which means patients can get access to their medical records. The Department of Health said that a quarter of people who use its NHS Choices website and app visit their GP less frequently.

Mr Lansley said: "I want to make using apps to track blood pressure, to find the nearest source of support when you need it and to get practical help in staying healthy the norm. With more information at their fingertips, patients can truly be in the driving seat."