TPP patients can access records via app

TPP has released a SystmOnline app that allows patients to view their medical record on their smartphone.

The app was released this week onto the iTunes app store and an android version is due to come out shortly.

It offers patients much of the same functionality as the SystmOnline website, but optimised for smartphones.

This means patient can log in with a username and password provided by their practice and view their electronic health record on the app.

Patients can also order repeat prescriptions, book and cancel appointments and send communications back to their GP. The app also uses Apple maps to show the patient a map and directions to their registered surgery.

For patients to have access to SystmOnline, their GP surgery needs to have enabled the service through SystmOne, and switched on the various parts of functionality for each patient.

There are currently more than 1,700 SystmOne practices using SystmOnline.

Drew Littler, director at TPP, said he hopes the app will encourage more patients to view their own records online.

“We’re very supportive of NHS England’s vision to get patients more involved in their own care. The functionality for patients to view their own record has been available for a while, but we’re hoping now it’s in an app, people will use it more often,” he said.

“The app will make a real difference for those patients who need access to their record on the move, or those who have carers who might need access.

“Around 30% of phone users in the UK are currently using an iPhone, so the iOS platform seemed a sensible place to start, but the android app will follow very shortly.”