Reliable information for treatments abroad; AI trial improved care; Study of student health tools
Campaign for reliable information on cosmetic procedures
A new campaign aims to ensure patients who use social media to help plan cosmetic procedures abroad will be able to access more reliable trustworthy information. The initiative between the government and TikTok aims to raise awareness of the risks. It also seeks to protect patients and reduce costs for the NHS of fixing botched procedures.
The campaign comes as more people are using social media apps like TikTok to research potentially risky operations – like hair transplants and dental work – abroad where they are often cheaper or more readily available than in the UK. It urges people to think beyond the slick brochures and marketing, and to consider clinical standards, complication risks and language barriers. Patients are also advised to speak to a UK doctor, take out travel insurance and steer clear of package holidays that include procedures. TikTok and the government have partnered with medical influencers, like Midwife Marley and Doc Tally, to create content to show the risks, help carry out thorough research and provide advice. The medics will provide a checklist to go through before considering booking a procedure abroad:
- Research thoroughly
- Check the clinic’s regulation and the surgeon’s credentials
- Know the full cost
- Understand the aftercare
- Ask the vital question – if it goes wrong, who will fix it?
Find out more about the campaign on the GOV.UK website here.
Study: AI technology can free up time with patients
A trial led by Great Ormond Street Hospital has found that AI-scribing technology can significantly reduce clinician workload while improving patient care. The NHS England-sponsored study was conducted across nine NHS sites in London to assess the impact of an AI-scribing tool, TORTUS. The tool automatically transcribes consultations and drafts summarised clinical notes for clinicians to review. The trial found the technology helped to free up clinicians to spend nearly a quarter more time with patients. There was also a reduction in overall appointment length and, in A&E, the AI scribe meant more patients could be seen per shift.
GOSH's Innovation Unit, GOSH DRIVE, said the study – which evaluated more than 17,000 patient encounters across sites including hospitals, GP practices, mental health services and ambulance teams – has the potential to unlock millions of pounds worth of activity if rolled out nationally. Following the success of the trial, a rollout of AI-scribe technology across outpatient settings at GOSH is planned to begin this autumn. The findings have already informed NHS England’s national guidance on AI-enabled scribing and contributed to the Government’s 10-year Health Plan.
Read more about the trial on the GOSH website here.
NHS neighbourhood health services spots are named
The areas of England to benefit from the first wave of new NHS neighbourhood health services have been unveiled. 43 communities will see neighbourhood health teams, led by local GP practices, offer patients bespoke care plans. This means patients with multiple or long-term health conditions will be offered “end-to-end care” from teams of NHS doctors and nurses. Social care workers, dentists, mental health support and other health practitioners may also be involved, depending on their medical needs. The government hopes the neighbourhood health services will make it easier for patients with chronic or complex issues to navigate the “maze” of referrals to different specialists. Steps could include immediate treatment like antibiotics alongside support for tackling the wider causes of health issues, like weight management services or health coaching.
Read the full story on the i paper here.
Study: Evaluating digital health tools for students
A new study has compared digital teaching models and traditional textbook-based learning methods as tools to deliver health education in schools. Researchers aimed to develop and evaluate an interactive digital intervention (IDI) programme designed to improve high school students’ knowledge of illegal drugs, boost their health literacy, and promote greater learner engagement.
The study involved 651 students split into two groups. One was given a 6-unit web-based substance use prevention programme with interactive features such as videos, quizzes, and scenario-based discussions. The other group received conventional classroom instruction using standard textbooks. The findings support the potential of digital programmes for improving knowledge, health literacy, and engagement among high school students. However, the intervention did not significantly improve all targeted outcomes, such as refusal skills and perceived harmfulness. This suggested the need for refined targeting and longer implementation periods.
Read the study in full via the JMIR website here.
New delivery plan for digital health and care
The Scottish Government has shared its updated plans to improve and reshape digital health services. The Care in the Digital Age: delivery plan 2025-2026 aims to improve the care and wellbeing of people in Scotland by making best use of digital technologies in the design and delivery of services. The plans for the next year include the second phase of the review and redesign of the NHS Inform health information platform. They also cover wider use of the Connect Me remote monitoring service supporting people at home.
The first phase of Digital Health and Care Record – which will allow people more access to their health and care records – is highlighted in the plan. There is also news of a pilot with dermatology patients as part of the first phase of the Digital Front Door platform which will give people access to health care information and allow them to book appointments in one place.
Find out more about the latest delivery plan on the ALLIANCE website here.
How to avoid risks when publishing NHS league tables
In this long read, Joe Kiely from the NHS Confederation and Izzy Allen from NHS Providers emphasise the importance of careful design and implementation when publishing leagues tables for NHS trusts. They shared their views before the publication of the league tables by NHS England this week. They warn that without proper context and careful framing, league tables risk presenting a partial picture and, at worst, a misleading one.
The pair say to minimise the risk that the public misinterprets league tables, it is essential communications clearly explain what they are designed to show and, just as importantly, what they are not. Without this context, they warn patients may make poorly informed decisions and misguided scrutiny may be directed towards trust leaders. The published ratings should also be accompanied by a clear and accessible explanation on NHS England’s website, according to the article.
Read the article in full on the NHS Confederation website here.
Survey on the future of social prescribing
People interested in social prescribing and community connection are being invited to take part in a survey to help the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) shape its future strategy. The future of social prescribing in England survey is set to help inform the NASP's strategic priorities from 2026 onwards. The survey asks for people's priorities, how NASP can contribute towards these, and what the biggest challenges will be. People from any role or sector can complete the survey.
Webinar: Free online course on randomised clinical trials
A new online course from the Health Research Board-Trials Methodology Research Network is being held to help people understand the impact of randomised trials on modern healthcare. The free course, which is self-paced and takes about 5 hours, covers how trials are approved and conducted, why randomisation matters, how trials lead to better treatments, and what to expect as a potential participant. With the experts at the University of Galway, those participating will also learn about the four phases of clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and ongoing safety monitoring.
Find out more about the course on the FutureLearn website here.