Digital interventions could support regular health services

Health professionals should consider digital and mobile interventions as a supplement to regular services to support behaviour change in people at risk of developing chronic conditions.

In a new draft guideline, NICE says that digital interventions such as apps, wearable devices and online programmes and websites may help people achieve health goals, including helping people to be more physically active, manage their weight, quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake or reduce unsafe sexual behaviour.

NICE has stressed that the digital tools should be offered in addition to existing health and care services, not as a replacement. The draft guidance recommends using resources from expert sources when possible, such as Public Health England and the NHS apps library, to ensure the content has been assessed for safety, effectiveness and data security.

Paul Chrisp, director of NICE’s Centre for Guidelines, said: “Digital interventions for behaviour change could help people make important improvements to their lifestyle, which may reduce their risk of developing serious chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Clinicians may choose to consider these interventions as an option to work alongside traditional health care services towards a change in behaviour.”