DHB reveals scope of health app probe
Waikato DHB’s independent probe into its controversial multimillion-dollar virtual health app will examine why some doctors are reluctant to use the technology.
The health board rolled out its virtual health app in 2016 with the aim of giving people access to doctors via a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
However, the initiative has been plagued by controversy, including allegations the majority of those signed up to the app were DHB employees and the project itself was given the green light based on incomplete paperwork.
The health board’s two-year contract with HealthTap, the online platform used to deliver the virtual health initiative SmartHealth, ends in May 2018.
Board members signed off on the terms of reference for the review of HealthTap at Wednesday’s board meeting.
The review includes 32 reference points and will examine the costs and related benefits of the virtual health app, barriers to its use by doctors and patients, and whether the project has achieved its objectives.
As of early October, 8760 people had registered with SmartHealth. Health officials hope to have 20,000 patients signed up to the app by the end of 2018.
The DHB has repeatedly refused to disclose the full cost of SmartHealth – estimated at $17 million – or the cost of the HealthTap platform.
Disgraced former DHB chief executive Nigel Murray championed the virtual health app and took numerous trips to the United States to visit HealthTap’s offices.
During one trip to California in September 2016, Murray stayed two nights at Nobu Hotel Epiphany at a cost of US$1722.32 to taxpayers.
Murray resigned on October 5, part way through an investigation into allegations he misspent health dollars.
Speaking earlier, Waikato DHB chairman Bob Simcock said the review into HealthTap was not connected to Murray’s resignation.
The findings of the HealthTap review are expected to be presented to board members by the end of March 2018.
A decision on how the DHB should progress SmartHealth is expected in April.
Meanwhile, the DHB has refused to release a copy of a review into SmartHealth by Harvard University.
Waikato DHB virtual care and innovation director Darrin Hackett said the Harvard report had yet to be completed.
‘‘We are waiting for an updated timeline from Harvard University as to when it will be completed,’’ Hackett said.