NHS App best practice and success stories

It can be difficult trying to get through to the doctors' surgery to get the results of my latest blood tests but, by going on the NHS App, I’m likely to get test results even before the usual seven-day wait time is up.  

I don’t always remember all the information my GP tells me at my appointment. Viewing my test results and graphs helps me understand what lifestyle, diet and medication modifications are helping to keep my diabetes under control. I can also see the list of medications I take, which I can share with the pharmacist and other health professionals.

Before appointments I can check my recent test results and prepare the questions I want to ask.

It’s given me a better understanding of my health. It’s putting me in charge. It’s giving me a more person-centred experience. It makes me feel like I’m being listened to, in simple terms it’s better communication.

I use the NHS App to keep track of appointments, check my health records and test results and order the repeat prescriptions I need. I also find the apps jargon buster very helpful.

Having access to all my information, investigations and procedures in one place is so useful. It means I can give a concise history to the different health professionals I see and the confidence to make decisions in partnership with them. It takes the vulnerability out of care. The NHS App is like a friend with you at your appointments, like you’re not alone

Recently I was alerted to an increased risk of a hereditary heart condition and used the NHS App to check my last scan results from 2019. Having access to my test results means that I can monitor my health progress, including my blood pressure and prostate-specific antigen levels.

I initially started having some problems with my feet and later, in January 2022, I was diagnosed with B12 deficiency. This meant I was seeing the doctor more regularly and having more tests. Being able to view my GP health record has made it easier for me to understand and manage my condition.  

I use the app to check the information in my GP health record at my own pace when preparing for hospital appointments. I feel more informed about the management of my health conditions since downloading the app.

It's given me quite in-depth knowledge of all my different medical conditions. I’ve become quite independent, more confident. I can go to hospital and just show them this app and they can see all my details. Having all this information on hand is great, practical and helpful for my mental health.

Both my husband and I are carers for his parents, who are now quite elderly. English isn’t their first language, so I have access to their health records via the NHS App. That way I can see test results and what the GP has discussed with them in appointments. 

It saves a lot of time, which is important as we are busy working full-time.

I use the NHS App frequently to access my GP health records, including test results and immunisations, as well as order repeat prescriptions and to message my GP.

Accessing my health records via the app means that I’m able to discuss and make decisions about my treatments and care together with my GP, instead of just listening to what they say. My GP recently messaged me via the app with options following my test results for carpal tunnel syndrome and now I feel well informed and able to choose a treatment option.

Being able to look at my records and keep track of things like appointments, referrals, test results and my medications just makes me feel more at ease and less anxious.   I found it really simple, not high tech and the way it’s laid out it’s easy to see you’ve got your test results, and your GP records. It wouldn’t be hard teaching somebody. 

Before the lockdowns, I was not paying much attention to my condition. I was focused on my busy life, career and travelling extensively. I went to my GP and my test showed that my sugar level was very, very high. That was a real wake up call. I needed to take my diabetes seriously and do more to manage my condition.  

Seeing the progress from test results, via the NHS App, encourages me to stick with the lifestyle and diet changes I’ve made to manage my type 2 diabetes. It saves me time, allows me to track appointments and keep on top of everything. I use the app as a tool to actively monitor my health, particularly my diabetes.