Phones to nudge patients to better health

PEOPLE could be sent targeted health messages on smartphones and via social media under NHS plans to use tracking methods to warn those at risk of lifestyle diseases.

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, said he was excited by “personalised prevention” which uses medical records and demographic data to identify those at risk of particular conditions. Public Health England is working on plans to offer warnings via social media sites and smartphones.

Health officials are in discussions about what data could be used to “nudge” individuals into better health.

Options include self-generated data – such as that from Fitbits and health quizzes – or could include consumer data, such as how much alcohol or chocolate they buy.

Mr Hancock said: “Using both medical data – appropriately safeguarded of course – and other demographic data you can work out that somebody might have a higher propensity to smoke and then you can target interventions to try to improve the health of the nation.”

Silkie Carlo, Director of Big Brother Watch, said: “Medical information is one of the most sensitive types of data.

“Although well-intended, this scheme will be unwanted by many patients and, at best, should be opt-in.”