Quick Overview
Inhealthcare, a digital health company, has introduced a self-referral service aimed at assisting NHS organizations in managing the anticipated increase in demand for new weight loss medications.
Key Features of the Service
- Online Platform: The system allows healthcare organizations to manage interest from individuals seeking newly approved treatments, such as Tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
- Patient Validation: The service validates patients against the NHS Spine, ensuring that only those registered in the relevant area can sign up for new treatment options.
- Resource Management: By confirming patient registrations, healthcare providers can better plan and allocate resources to meet the expected demand.
Expert Insights
Jamie Innes, product director at Inhealthcare, stated, “This service will help primary care providers manage demand as interest in these new treatments grows. By validating patients against the NHS Spine, we ensure healthcare providers only receive verified registrations from their area.”
Context of Increased Demand
- The NHS is preparing for a rise in demand for GLP-1 agonist medications, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Tirzepatide for adults with a BMI over 35 and at least one weight-related long-term health condition.
- NICE estimates that approximately 3.4 million people in England may be eligible for these treatments, but only around 220,000 will have access over the next three years due to NHS limitations.
Early Adoption and Future Use
More than 375 patients have already registered for the service during its early adoption phase. The platform, developed in collaboration with NHS-owned Health Call, also allows for additional patient screening and eligibility pathways, enabling healthcare providers to triage interested patients from various settings.
Broader Applications
- The service can also be utilized by NHS teams to invite patients for routine health checks, cancer screenings, and other health services.
- Inhealthcare is actively supporting virtual ward programs across the NHS in England, with plans to expand virtual ward services significantly in the coming years.
Conclusion
This new self-referral service is a significant step towards managing the anticipated demand for weight loss medications within the NHS, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively allocate resources and support patient needs.