The Health Service Executive (HSE) has released the first phase of a health app that will soon allow users to access a wide variety of medical records and other information.
Its initial interface, unveiled on Tuesday, will be limited in use, enabling account holders to carry a digital list of self-declared medications; monitor the Drugs Payment Scheme and Medical Card Scheme; and store various cards including European Health Insurance, medical, long-term illness and GP Visit.
The first version is designed to be of particular interest to expectant mothers, who can monitor hospital appointments.
According to the Department of Health, the HSE Health App is among the first initiatives of its Digital for Care framework, and is available to download for anyone over the age of 16.
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A verified MyGovID is required to access personal health information via the app. Those without one can use it to find information on health conditions and HSE services.
It is also planned to integrate the Health App with a forthcoming “Government Digital Wallet” later this year.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill described the launch as “an exciting milestone in our journey to digitise patient health records”.
“We can now ensure that every patient is provided with easily accessible health information that is accurate and trustworthy,” she said. “The phased introduction of appointment notifications and reminders will make it easier for people to manage their care.”
The app is expected to include new services and features every year, and to expand appointments-related functions for all public hospitals, including referrals and information on waiting times.
[ 1,500 patients use HSE app ahead of wider roll-outOpens in new window ]
“There has been much progress made in modernising the data capabilities and digital technologies of our health service in recent years,” said HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster.
“We [will] seek to harness the power of data and innovation to help improve access to care for patients and enhance efficiencies across services.”
The HSE said its app development team had consulted a number of organisations representing disabled people, and a patient advisory group, to help “understand the needs of a wide range of people”.
The technology was also tested with users of assistive technology and audited to ensure it reaches HSE and European standards for accessibility, and with an eye on future development and improvement.
