High-Level Overview

Merton Health has been delivering NHS Health Checks (NHSHCs) since 2017 and adopted Health Diagnostics’ (HD) digital health IT products in 2022. This transition has streamlined service delivery, improved completion rates, and enhanced patient engagement. By integrating HD’s tools, Merton Health has strengthened its ability to detect those patients who may have early-stage cardiovascular conditions, enabling timely interventions that support lifestyle changes and referrals.

Solution components supplied

• • Integrated Digital Health IT Solutions: Streamlining workflows, automating data integration, and improving efficiency.
  • Automated Patient Invitation Process: Ensures comprehensive and targeted outreach through tailored letters/SMS and follow-up reminders. Fully tracked and traceable to reduce duplication.
  • Interactive Consultation Module: Improving patient engagement to help understand the impact of lifestyle on health and wellbeing. Simplifies data integration, eliminating manual transfers and reducing transcription errors.
  • Patient-Facing Digital Portal: Provides access to personal health check results and local support/educational resources, helping to facilitate self-management.
  • QRISK® Score Visualisation: Offers color-coded, intuitive risk assessment for predicted cardiovascular conditions.
  • One-Click Referrals: Connects patients seamlessly with recommended local health services like the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme and national free resources.
  • Real-time Data Reporting & Analysis Tools: Generating actionable insights to improve public health decision-making and service planning.
  • Training: Expert delivered and tailored to products and services supplied.
  • Support: Delivered by a highly knowledgeable team, ensuring projects maximise the functionality and features.

Local Outcomes

• • Significant increase in NHSHC completion rates from 2022.
  • Nearly 100% completion rates, reducing incomplete health checks from 59 in 2021-2022 to near zero.
  • Enhanced patient motivation through clear visualisation of health status and achievable health goals.
  • Increased automated referrals to local services such as smoking cessation, alcohol support, and diabetes prevention.
  • Time-saving automation, reducing administrative burden for GP practices.

Notable Public Health OutcomesPatient satisfaction levels:

• • Improved early detection of hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular conditions.
  • Reduction in health inequalities across Merton’s diverse population.
  • Cost savings through digital invitations, reducing reliance on printed letters.
  • More effective data tracking, allowing for better resource allocation and future service planning.

Views of the Commissioner

• • Dr. Elizabeth Higham, GP and Clinical Lead for Merton NHSHCs, highlights the impact of HD’s system:

  “Our ambitions for NHSHCs focus on reducing cardiovascular disease risk. HD’s IT modules have been invaluable in streamlining patient engagement, automating data integration, and enabling intuitive communication of a patient’s health status. Collaboration with HD has led to a seamless, efficient process that benefits both patients and practitioners.”

• • Laura Jenkins, NHSHC Admin Lead, adds:

  “The biggest impact has been the increase in completed checks and the efficiency of automated reminders. The reporting tools are outstanding, allowing us to present clear, actionable insights to commissioners.” thrilled to collaborate with Medway’s Public Health team as they lead the way in heart health innovation. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on cardiovascular disease prevention.”

Full Case Study