NHS Choices moves to Google search

NHS Choices has enhanced its search functionality by switching from SharePoint to Google search.

Working with digital media and web design agency MadeByPi, the website has introduced a new Health Explorer tool which uses Google search.

The idea is to help users locate specific health topics and to extend their searches with related online articles and information.

Colin MacKenzie, director of communications and digital engagement at NHS Choices, told eHealth Insider: “The tool is about helping people who find it difficult to absorb lots and lots of information to find what they want.

“NHS.uk has grown over the years with so much quality information that we needed better search functionality and we realised that the existing search functionality was not up to scratch.”

When a term is entered into the site’s earch function, a new page is displayed giving users the option to use Health Explorer.

Selecting it produces around seven tabs, allowing users to delve deeper in areas such as symptoms and signs and treatments.

MacKenzie says the Health Explorer tool has been accessed more than 20,000 times since its launch and has shown a 10 times improvement in providing relevant search results.

Paul Lemon, technical director at MadeByPi said: “We’ve enjoyed working with the team at NHS Choices to develop the new interactive Health Explorer tool.

"It uses simple design and flash interaction to offer users an alternative and more engaging search experience.”

NHS Choices is now planning to make Health Explorer more visible by putting it on the main pages as well as hub pages.

“Our aim is to make navigation around the site as easy as possible, providing users with the tools to find the information they need with the fewest clicks,” MacKenzie added.