NHS LPP helps patients access digital support

NHS London Procurement Partnership (NHS LPP) have supported NHS England to procure the MyType1Diabetes app which is now available across the country to help people manage their condition during the coronavirus pandemic.

Recent findings show that people with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with COVID-19 but better management of the condition can help improve control and lead to better outcomes. The new app, which was procured through the NHS LPP Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), includes videos and eLearning courses, to help people understand more about their Type 1 diabetes and increase their confidence in how to manage it.

Digital self-management resources such as apps have played a vital part in supporting patients throughout the coronavirus. As the response to the pandemic continues, the NHS LPP Health & Social Care Apps DPS is providing support by offering a shortlist of suppliers whose apps have been pre-assessed for security, clinical merit, patient accessibility and patient safety. It includes a COVID-19 specific category and has been developed in partnership with the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA) to ensure that suppliers comply with strict rules.  

Professor Partha Kar, national speciality advisor on diabetes for NHS England and Improvement said:

“Living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes is a daily challenge for millions of people and knowing they are more at risk if they are infected with coronavirus will be worrying, but the NHS has taken action to help people and keep them safe, including the roll-out of these helpful apps.

“Access to trusted information and support is key to helping people manage their diabetes and we are delighted to support these tools which will hopefully empower people to look after their own condition and reduce their risk.”

Steve Dunkerley, Category Director, Clinical Digital Solutions, NHS LPP said:

“Apps procured by the NHS must adhere to guidelines from NHS England and NHS Digital – as well as those of other organisations such as the Department of Health and Social Care, the Medicines Healthcare Research Authority and the Care Quality Commission. They should also be aligned with national and clinical guidelines for specific conditions, such as those published by NICE.

“The DPS provides the NHS and the public sector with a way to compliantly procure apps to meet health and social care needs, reducing the time and resources needed to set up the app and providing support to patients faster.”

Adults with type 1 diabetes can access the app directly by going to myType1diabetes.nhs.uk

More information on the DPS is available on the NHS London Procurement Partnership DPS webpage or register for the DPS online now.