Building our Digital Health Programme

Call overview and agenda

An online discussion was hosted on Wednesday 7 July 2021 (5pm to 6.30pm) via Zoom Pro and was attended by 25 members of the public from a wide range of backgrounds.

The aim of this particular online session was to:

• Introduce the Imperial Biomedical Research Centre and its proposed Digital Health Theme 
• Provide an overview, and an example, of how digital health is used in care and research
• Give attendees an opportunity to ask questions
• Facilitate small group discussions exploring the topic further

Key Insights Summary

Attendees of the discussion session on 7 July 2021, provided helpful insights about how digital health could improve clinical care, the health of the community and research especially in relation to reducing the current fragmentation of data across the health system. It was suggested this fragmentation could be aided by the development of easy- to- use patient portals/apps and undertaking of remote monitoring where patients and their families could record their own health data, access test results and scans, correct data where necessary and receive reminders to aid decision making and self- management. Identification and understanding of community health needs could be aided by identifying trends and local services requirements through digital health. Addressing health inequalities could involve digitally measuring environmental factors. Using digital tools could assist with prevention of health conditions as well as to address sensitive subjects including mental health.

However, it was noted that a hybrid model of care comprising face-to-face and digital health was needed to: ensure those affected by digital poverty and lack of technical knowledge were not excluded; and for situations where face-to-face assessment is more appropriate and preferable for patients. Education about using digital tools is necessary as is consent, the ability to opt out and provision of assurance to the public about the security of their health data which is a continuing concern.

Suggestions to reduce the digital divide focused on ensuring underrepresented communities have access to digital health tools including the translation of apps into different languages and utilising community leaders and groups to engage these communities appropriately. Reducing health and social inequalities, making digital tools accessible and easy to use, providing education and IT support to use digital tools and evidencing their benefit is also needed to reduce the digital divide.

Suggestions for how to engage with patients about digital health included utilising different ways to engage both face-to-face and online, utilising trusted relationships in primary and community care, co-designing patient-centric tools and research, focusing on the benefits of digital health and reassuring the public about data security were also suggested.

Poll on areas on which digital health should focus
A mid-session multi-choice poll of attendees (n=24/25) revealed that “Understanding disease”, “Improving diagnosis” and “Treatment and prevention” all received equal numbers of responses (n=15) to the question: “On which areas do you think we should focus our digital health research to improve health and care? Please choose your top 3.” The next most popular response chosen was “Individualised care (personalised medicine)” (n=13). Please see Appendix 2 in the insight report for more details.

• Understanding disease (n = 15; 63%)
• Improving diagnosis (n = 15; 63%)
• Treatment and prevention (n = 15; 63%)
• Individualised care (personalised medicine) (n = 13; 54%)

How we used the insights

This insight report summarising key points from the session was made available to Theme leads and the BRC Executive in order to shape the BRC application. The report was also provided to the members of the public who took part in the involvement activity. A full report on all public involvement activities undertaken in preparation for the BRC application can be found here. Through the process of conducting this and other public involvement activities, we have established a wider and more diverse network of contacts for ongoing involvement. We would like to thank all those members of the public who gave their time and thoughtful insights through these activities, and the researchers who engaged enthusiastically in the process.