The NHS has today launched digital health check-ups in a bit to tackle cardiovascular disease while easing pressure on GPs.
The UK Government says the online assessments could help prevent hundreds of strokes and heart attacks, adding that they aim to deliver one million online assessments within the first four years of the scheme.
The scheme is seen by NHS bosses as an “expansion” of the ‘in-person routine check-ups’ policy already in place for those aged 40 to 74, which are done in a bid to spot potential health problems early and take around 20 minutes.
Around 1.3 million of these currently take place annually in England, with the NHS citing figures that the in-person health checks have helped to identify 315,000 people with obesity, 33,000 cases of hypertension, and prevented more than 400 heart attacks and strokes.
The new digital version will see patients asked to fill in an online form which includes any health concerns they have, the last time they saw a doctor, and their height and weight, among other questions.
They will be encouraged to get their blood and cholesterol levels tested and results of the overview will then be made available online after the doctor has analysed the information and given personalised advice on how to be healthy and fit.
If red flags raise as a result of the online check-ups, those patients will be referred for an in-person GP appopintment to follow up.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay said the new digital version, which will run “alongside” the in-person scheme, and not replace it, will undoubtedly “save lives”.
He said: “This new digital check-up will mean people can do simple tests and get tailored advice from homes while reducing pressure on GP services.
“This programme is the latest example of how we are using technology to cut waiting times.”
Who supports the new checks?
It is hoped the scheme will allay the pressure currently placed on GPs, and some charities have already lined up to call today’s announcement good news.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the Stroke Association are two organisations that have welcomed the announcement, saying being proactive in health care rather than reactive could save lives.
British Heart Foundation medical director Professor Sir Nilesh Samani said: “Millions of people in England are living with conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol that, if left untreated, significantly increase the risk of a potentially deadly heart attack or stroke.
“This initiative will help to reach more people and encourage them to get their blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked so that, where necessary, healthcare professionals can work with them to manage their condition.”
Juliet Bouverie OBE, chief executive of the Stroke Association, added: “Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and one of the biggest killers. We welcome this new digital means of checking and managing your risk of stroke, alongside the option of in-person NHS Health Checks.
“High blood pressure contributes to around half of all strokes, and 500,000 people are living with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation — both conditions that are treatable.
“Blood pressure checks and pulse checks are essential parts of the NHS Health Check, to accurately detect, treat, and manage stroke risk in those aged 40 to 74, and stop these conditions leading to a life-changing stroke.”
How can I book an NHS digital health check?
The scheme is set to be rolled out across England from next spring and the Government has said it aims to deliver one million online check-ups within the first four years of it being launched.
Details on how to book next year have not been made public, but it is expected that people will be written to and encouraged to book in.
More information on the scheme can be found on the NHS Health Check website.
