Credit: Adam Peck/PA Wire/Press Association Images

NHSX is to conduct a national review of the online channels through which patients currently interact with the health service.

The national technology body has published a contract notice seeking a supplier to support a review of existing patient interfaces across the NHS. This includes online portals, digital personal health records (PHR), and apps. 

The exercise will take four weeks and will focus on the functionality of current tools, as well as their value for money. It will also assess tools against the technology and service standards set by the NHS and the Government Digital Service.

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“We would like a team to assess whether patient portals, PHRs and other apps we outline are meeting the needs for patients who need to connect with clinical teams and see key parts of their patient records,” NHSX said. “More broadly are they the right solution to solve the problems they are procured for.”

The technology organisation said that the project had been prompted by requests from representatives of NHS trusts who would like guidance on where best to invest in new technologies.

“NHS colleagues in trusts have told us that they are considering investing further in patient interfaces but would like more input from NHSX to judge if they are worthwhile,” NHSX said. “We have an opportunity to influence those purchasing products and services with this work.”

Applications for the project are open midnight on Friday 28 February, ahead of a scheduled start date of Monday 16 March.

The work will be worth an estimated £35,000 to the winning bidder.