There has long been a move towards finding tools and ways to offer more remote engagement with healthcare. We launched NDR Prescribe in 2018, but change and uptake was accelerated as we all moved online with lockdown in March 2020. 

Services and practitioners started to actively provide remote consultations whether via phone, Zoom, NearMe or Teams. This digital platform provided health professionals with the opportunity to personalise resources tailored to their patients’ needs and have them instantly delivered via email – enabling patients to retain and/or share with family members or carers as they choose.

We’re pleased to have been learning how valuable it now is for dietitians and related professionals working in different locations and in different topic areas; helping them to change practice and respond to patients’ needs and expectations.

“...enables rapid access to evidence-based information that you can tailor to your patients needs. I love how you can send the information straight away...so helpful [for] record keeping as you can clearly show what has been discussed and shared with the patient.” Dietitian, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Having information accessible here, also provides the assurance that people are accessing the most up to date version of a resource – and the platform enables simple updates to be applied far more quickly.

"What an awesome service! So easy to use and ensures [we] stay current [and] patient-centred." Dietitian, NHS Highland

This move to digital practice is only just beginning.  Continuing its development will be crucial for efficiency, relevance and sustainability.

“... an integral resource to my work, I wouldn't be without it...a full spectrum of superb resources available at the touch of a button!” Freelance Dietitian

In its 10 years, NDR-UK has evolved with all its supporters and stakeholders.  We continue to work together to provide evidence-based information that equips health services with tools so they can focus on patient care and best practice.  Digital development is at the heart of future plans.

We are starting to develop routes to provide group education tools for remote and in-person education.  Initially, we will be working with dietitians involved in the coeliac project that is part of the Scottish Modernising Patient Pathway work, then extending this to include videos to complement our Easier Swallowing range for people with or caring for people with dysphagia. Obviously, we want to further develop Prescribe – evaluating it and exploring how to improve it for greater ease and efficacy. And keeping up with other developments to support and maybe even integrate with the exciting work underway in digital health pathways.

There will be many opportunities and possibilities in this area, so we all need to remain engaged and open to the potential that it can bring!