Pharmacy2U Healthy Heart Study
A groundbreaking study from the UK’s largest online pharmacy, Pharmacy2U, and the leading digital diagnostics firm, PocDoc, indicates that a digital-first approach to screening heart health at home could increase the number of patients spotting, and acting on, the early signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
3,871 patients signed up to the digital-first screening process within two weeks of launch; more than a quarter (28%) of whom had never had cholesterol levels checked before
Over two thirds (69%) of those sent a test completed it, significantly higher (57%) than the 44% of eligible patients who attended their NHS Health Check invitation
7 in 10 (72%) found the process more convenient than visiting their local GP, while 9 in 10 (88%) said they’d opt for this approach in future if the NHS offered it
3 in 4 (77%) were more inclined to make healthy choices following participation, while nearly half (46%) of those who completed the end-of-study survey self-reported an improvement in their cholesterol levels by the end of the 8 weeks
A digital-first approach to screening heart health at home could increase the number of patients testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as detecting and acting on high cholesterol, by up to 57%. That’s according to a major new study by the UK’s largest digital pharmacy, Pharmacy2U, and the UK’s leading digital health and diagnostics firm, PocDoc.
The Healthy Heart Study, which is the largest of its kind, saw 3,871 people across the UK sign up (in just two weeks) to a digital-first heart health screening process. Participants received two PocDoc’s ‘Healthy Heart Check’1 tests, the first on day one and the second on day 56. They were then offered two clinical reviews with a Pharmacy2U pharmacist upon completion of each test.
The digital-first approach meets all three of the government’s widely stated aims, which are expected to underpin its upcoming 10-year plan for the NHS, namely: shifting from analogue to digital; from hospital to community care; and from sickness to prevention.
Over two thirds (69%) of eligible people invited to complete their first test did so, notably higher than the 44% who attended an invitation to their NHS Health Check in the past five years. Over a quarter (28%) of those who completed their digital home health check had never had their cholesterol levels checked before, suggesting that a digital-first pathway can increase access to lifesaving preventative measures.
“Despite significant advances in treatment and prevention of heart conditions in recent years, cardiovascular disease still places a substantial burden on public health and the healthcare system”, said Kevin Heath, CEO of Pharmacy2U. “The NHS Long Term Plan (2019) identified CVD as the single biggest area where lives can be saved over the next decade, while a digital-first screening programme, delivered by pharmacies, ticks all three of the government’s aims to focus on prevention, delivered digitally, within the primary care sector. This study shows just how effective that approach could be, were the NHS to invest in a nationwide rollout.”
Cholesterol and heart health checks are currently part of the NHS Health Check offered to all individuals aged over 40 in England. However, more than half (56%) of those eligible have not attended one in the past five years. Providing this service digitally could not only increase the number of people getting screened but also relieve significant pressure on busy GP practices.
The Healthy Heart Study uncovered a wide range of positive outcomes for participants. Three-quarters (77%) said they were inclined to make more healthy choices after being involved, while 46% of those who completed the end-of-study survey self-reported an improvement in their cholesterol after 60 days of online advice.
Furthermore, participants reported satisfaction with PocDoc’s digital-first approach. 95% said the app download process was "Easy" or "Very Easy"; 86% found interpreting results "Easy" or "Very Easy"; and 72% agreed that the process was more convenient than visiting a GP. A resounding 9 in 10 (88%) said the NHS should offer the service more widely.
Steve Roest, CEO of PocDoc, added: “Our digital diagnostics technology is designed to make healthcare more accessible, and this study shows that it does just that. Furthermore, it suggests digital-first screening programmes can play a vital role in catching the signs of CVD early, thereby preventing people with serious health conditions from ending up in hospital. By reaching hard-to-access communities, we can close health disparities and promote early intervention.”
Kevin Heath continued: “Digital-first healthcare puts people in control of their health by empowering individuals from all walks of life to measure, monitor, and manage their symptoms from the palm of their hand. Something we need now more than ever, not least to relieve the pressure on our hospitals and GP surgeries.”
Find out more about how to manage your heart health here