The latest study has shown that as more people self diagnose using the NHS Choices website, Britain’s national healthcare service saves millions of pounds every year. The website was launched three years ago. Last year more than 100 million visits were recorded at the site which offers patients a quick reference guide to illnesses, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Overall, there was a 10% increase in the number of visits to the website in 2010 compared to 2009. Some 19 million people logged on to NHS Choices for information on swine flu.
The study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London found 70% of patients use the internet to search for health information, with a third deciding there is no need to visit their GP afterwards. This reduces avoidable and unnecessary consultations among young people and saves about £44 million per year.
There are more than 40,000 comments posted so far by patients about hospitals and GP surgeries too. Health minister Simon Burns said, “Every day we use the internet and technology to organize our lives, and increasingly when it comes to our health… For example, more and more people are taking the information they have found online with them when they consult their GP. It is important they can find accurate, trusted information from sources such as NHS Choices… It is vital that every penny spent on the NHS counts, and the Imperial College research shows that tools like NHS Choices can help deliver savings.”
New plans for the website include a medicines hub that provides detailed information on all products including over-the-counter treatments. There would also be allowance for rating articles and social network linking. A personalized NHS Choices home page that will allow users to customize the layout and display content relevant to their age group, gender and life-stage without the need to register is also on the cards. More information on each consultant working in the NHS would also be offered.
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