Plan to make the NHS digital-by-default; Accessible patient information leaflets; Study finds digital misinformation
NHS reset plan will embrace digital health
An ambitious plan to radically reset the NHS will set the scene for embracing the principle that services should be delivered digitally as the default wherever possible. The NHS Medium Term Planning Framework – Delivering Change Together (2026/27 to 2028/29) – sets out how the NHS will accelerate the delivery of neighbourhood health services. It also explains how it will transform its approach to quality and embrace the opportunities of digital health to drive improvements in every aspect of its work.
The three-year roadmap includes ambitious targets, one of which will see 2.5 million fewer patients waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment by March 2029, and plans to make the NHS digital-by-default by giving patients a "doctor in their pocket," available through the NHS App. The delivery of NHS App functions as described in the 10 Year Health Plan will be brought forward, including:
- Delivering My NHS GP – using AI-assisted triage models and data-driven pathways to guide people to the service they need quickly and provide those who need an appointment with the ability to book one.
- Transforming Planned Care – putting patients in control of their treatment pathways by giving them one place to manage all their appointments, referrals and interactions.
- Managing My Health – empowering people to manage their health and the health of their dependants by giving them targeted access to prevention services to reduce future demand.
Creating accessible patient information leaflets for clinical trials
PIF member National Voices worked with Bristol University on a project to develop an accessible template for patient information leaflets used in clinical trials. The aim of the MAPLE project is to make people feel they have the information they need to make a choice about taking part in clinical trials, in a way that is clear and easy to understand, or "accessible". It also aims to make sure everyone feels they are welcome and included, if they want to take part. The accessible leaflet template and guidance was produced following work with a wide range of people on how to make information more accessible. This included:
- People from minority ethnic backgrounds, where many of the people speak, read or write languages other than English.
- People with learning disabilities and/or autism.
- People in patient advice groups.
- People from different patient charities.
- Health researchers.
National Voices plans to share the template with research organisations to support more inclusive recruitment methods.
Find out more about the project and how to download the template on the MAPLE website here.
STUDY: Quality concerns over digital cancer information
Researchers who analysed the quality of digital cancer-related health information found a notable proportion of content contained misleading, harmful, or commercially biased information, posing potential risks to users. The study looked at patterns in information quality across different platforms, cancer types, and evaluation tools. The researchers also sought to identify characteristics of studies considering cancer-related information on new media (including social media and artificial intelligence chatbots).
Out of 297,519 posts related to 17 cancer types across 15 media platforms, more than 5 in 20 contained misinformation and 4 in 20 contained harmful information, according to the research. The study concluded the overall quality of cancer-related information on social media and artificial intelligence chatbots was moderate, with relatively higher scores for understandability but lower scores for actionability and completeness. The authors said to support informed decision-making in cancer care, it is essential to improve the quality of information delivered through these media platforms.
Read the study in full via the JMIR website here.
Flu vaccine campaign ramped up with pop-up clinics
The government has stepped up its winter flu vaccination campaign as health officials warn of early increases in seasonal virus infections. While the latest campaign for adults with an eligible long-term condition was launched this month, the NHS rolled out vaccinations for children and pregnant women at the start of September – with flu likely to circulate among children before adults. This year's campaign for adults features imagery of suits of armour and carries the message of "stay strong, get vaccinated". The campaign targets those with chronic conditions such as heart, kidney and lung disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, neurological conditions and immunosuppression. Campaign resources are available on the Department of Health and Social Care website.
Meanwhile, many school-aged children will have already received their flu vaccinations at school but for those who missed out, local NHS teams have been making getting a catch-up vaccination over the half-term break as easy as possible. They have been hosting community clinics closer to home – with pop-up sessions set up in bowling alleys, football pitches, libraries, fire stations and sports halls. UK Health Security Agency data has shown flu cases and hospitalisations are on the rise, with transmission among school-aged children driving the early start to the season.
Read more about the children's vaccine pop-ups on the NHS England website here.
Report highlights co-production achievements
The Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) partnership has published its 2024-25 Highlights Report, bringing together its achievements around co-producing resources and learning to make care and support more personal. The report features a round-up of key projects and progress under five themes:
- Co-production and participation.
- Ethical innovation and the future of care and support.
- Personalisation and self-directed support.
- Strengthening foundations.
- Collaboration beyond borders.
Highlights include stories and case studies of co-production, practical resources and work done alongside local authorities, care and support providers and other national organisations. One of the reports co-produced by TLAP this year looked at how to ensure AI reflects people's rights, choices and dignity in social care. TLAP also updated its jargon buster and launched a new language hub to encourage the use of clear, respectful and human-centred language across health and social care.
Read the full highlights report on the TLAP website here.
New healthy choices quiz launched by NHS
People are being invited to complete a new NHS quiz to help them improve their overall health and wellbeing. The NHS Healthy Choices Quiz will officially launch in November and includes general questions about motivations and then asks about lifestyle. Those who take part in the free quiz will not be asked about their medical history as it is not a medical assessment.
After completing the quiz, participants will get their results which includes an overall score out of 10. This score indicates how their lifestyle could be affecting their health and wellbeing. The results will explain how the person is doing in each lifestyle area, and what to do if they should make any changes. The quiz, part of the Better Health programme and led by the Department of Health and Social Care, will suggest NHS apps, advice and resources. This quiz is for adults aged 18 and over. Those with an existing health condition, like diabetes or heart disease, are advised not to take part.
Find out more about the quiz on the Better Health NHS website here.
New patient-informed nebuliser and inhaler guide
The European Lung Foundation (ELF) has produced a new patient-informed guide designed to help adults understand how to use nebulisers and inhalers and how to choose a device that works best for them. The detailed guide was created following a project with ELF Bronchiectasis and Asthma Patient Advisory Groups and healthcare professionals. It includes information and advice on topics such as:
- What is inhaled medicine?
- What is a nebuliser?
- What is an inhaler?
- Comparing inhaler types.
- Questions a healthcare professional might ask when deciding on the best inhaler.
- How to use a nebuliser (step-by-step).
Read the full guide on the ELF website here.
How photography can address mental health stigma
A creative workshop is being hosted by the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) to explore how photography can help reframe mental health, wellbeing and life stories. Those who join the workshop will hear how photography can communicate experiences, stories and complex issues in a visual and creative way. It can build confidence, empower people and support them to take control of their own narrative. Participants – who need to register for the in-person workshop on 4 November – will:
- Learn more about tackling different forms of stigma through photography.
- Be inspired by projects where photography has been used to challenge stigma.
- Get hands-on experience and try out creative activities.
- Discover practical tools and tips for using photography.
Find out more and register on the ALLIANCE website here.
Charity's latest cancer information video goes live
The newest episode in Macmillan Cancer Support's cancer information video series is now available on YouTube. The PIF member's YouTube series – Cancer: Explained – was launched last year as a new format for delivering crucial cancer information. In the latest episode, guest host Dr Aziza Sesay is joined by Dr Hayley to take an in-depth look at breast cancer. Topics covered include: What is breast cancer, symptoms, testing, treatment and advanced breast cancer. The 16-minute video offers expert insights and compassionate advice and includes discussion, a personal experience and images to help explain what symptoms to look for. The video is aimed at anyone looking to understand breast cancer or seeking trusted information for themself or a loved one. Other videos in the series, usually hosted by Dr Ranj Singh, discuss lymphoma and lung cancer.
Find the Cancer:Explained series via the Macmillan YouTube channel here.