An app which helps people manage their health conditions and was jointly developed by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and HCI, has been nominated for a national award.
CONNECTPlus has been shortlisted for the Driving Efficiency through Technology award at the HSJ Awards 2021. The innovative app helps people to manage multiple health conditions from their own phone or device, day or night, wherever they are. It provides 24/7 access to a range of features including symptom trackers, medication management and appointment reminders, as well as information and content provided by their own doctors and other healthcare professionals
Following the intense and in-depth judging process, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and HCI were shortlisted, ahead of the official awards ceremony to be held later this year (18 November). Standing out amongst tough competition from hundreds of other exemplary applicants, CONNECTPlus was selected because of its ambition, visionary spirit and the demonstrable positive impact that it has had on both patient and staff experiences.
Since introducing the app for Rheumatology and Neurology patients, calls to department helplines have almost halved, as patients are finding answers to their queries in the app. The amount of time nurses spend in medication clinics has reduced from four hours a week to just 30 minutes. This frees up their time to see patients who need urgent treatment.
Dr Matt Halkes, Clinical Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation and Consultant Anaesthetist at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, and Clinical Director of Health and Care Innovations (HCI) said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for the Driving Efficiency through Technology award. This recognition really reflects the collaborative efforts and dedication of everyone involved in the development of CONNECTPlus, including patients, clinicians and HCI.
“Knowing that there was such stiff competition this year really does make this announcement feel like a wonderful achievement for everyone involved and the nomination has been a tremendous boost to staff at the Trust and HCI.”
HSJ editor Alistair McLellan said: “On behalf of all my colleagues, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust on being nominated in the category of Driving Efficiency through Technology, in this year’s HSJ Awards. The applications we receive always present our panel of judges with a very difficult task as the standard is unfailingly high and the breadth of innovation and passion for patient care is always so inspiring.
“This year, we really have been overwhelmed with the level of entries, particularly when set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and the huge challenges faced by our health and social care workforce.
“We are therefore looking forward to welcoming all our finalists to the live ceremony in November and joining us in celebrating their incredible achievements and commitment to excellence.”
The full list of nominees for the HSJ Awards 2021 can be found on https://awards.hsj.co.uk/shortlist-2021.
The selected winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Evolution, London on 18 November 2021
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