Digital health and wellness tools lead to fewer GP visits in the UK
In a striking advancement for digital healthcare, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) leveraging the Holly Health digital wellness and behaviour modification platform have reported a notable decline in the demand for GP consultations. This pioneering tool aids patients in adopting and maintaining healthier behaviours in a lasting manner, which has led to fewer medical appointments being necessary.
Analysis indicates that for individuals engaging with the service for a minimum of eight weeks, there was a reduction of 0.22 appointments per eight-week cycle. Projected over the span of a year, this translates to 1.4 fewer GP visits for each user of the platform.
Crucially, the most profound decreases in appointments have been observed among patients categorised within higher risk brackets. Those managing Type 2 diabetes have seen an astonishing average decline of 6.5 GP appointments annually. This statistic is derived from data accumulated over an eight-week period. Similarly, individuals afflicted with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease witnessed an average annual reduction of 3.25 GP visits.
The platform not only facilitates a decrease in healthcare demand but also significantly enhances patients’ health outcomes. Users have reported marked improvements in physical activity, mood, and the ability to manage their health effectively, thanks to the digital tool’s support in cultivating beneficial physical and mental health habits aimed at bolstering long-term wellbeing.
Grace Gimson, CEO and co-founder of Holly Health, expressed immense pride in the tangible benefits the platform has delivered: “The compelling outcomes data from our coaching and habit transformation platform is a testament to our commitment to improving health. On an individual level, it’s heartening to see our system empower patients with effective behavioural changes and enhanced health outcomes.
“From a broader perspective, these achievements underscore the transformative potential of patient-oriented technology on healthcare systems and the sustainability of the NHS. We’re keenly anticipating the results of a forthcoming randomised control trial with Northumbria Primary Care, with a special emphasis on patients contending with multiple health conditions.”
To date, the Holly Health service has reached over 35,000 individuals through partnerships with more than 180 NHS primary care facilities. A noteworthy implementation in Scotland’s Ayrshire region promises personalised assistance to over 5,000 local patients annually, benefiting more than 250,000 community members.
This service has not only reduced the frequency of healthcare appointments but also demonstrated particularly positive outcomes among patients with higher health risks. An evaluation involving over 70 local patients showed a potential yearly reduction of 1.95 GP visits per patient, following at least eight weeks of utilising the service.
Notable health improvements in this community include an 18% improvement in mental wellbeing among users initially assessed with low to medium mood levels, based on the Office of National Statistics Four (ONS4) Wellbeing criteria. Additionally, there was a 15% increase in physical activity levels among participants who were initially categorised with low to medium exercise habits.
Alexia Pellowe, Clinical Director at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, shared her enthusiasm: “Our collaboration with Holly Health aligns with our goal to make a significant, region-wide impact through prevention and early intervention. The promising shift in patient outcomes and the demonstration of cost-effectiveness are invigorating. It heralds a promising phase for our services as we aim to mitigate long-term healthcare burdens through enhanced preventive measures and encouraging self-management among individuals with multiple chronic conditions.”
Furthermore, in August, it was announced that Holly Health had formed a partnership with Age UK Lewisham and Southwark, alongside leading national and community services, to offer mental and physical health coaching to individuals aged 50 to 70+ across the UK. This initiative underscores Holly Health’s commitment to broadening its impact, fostering a healthier nation through innovative digital solutions.