The HSE has commenced its Health Elevator rapid health check pilot at five CarePlus Pharmacy outlets across the country.
A total of 500 people will take part in the free programme, which combines health checks, expert advice and digital technology to help people to understand, maintain and improve their health.
Health Elevator is part of the HSE's digital health transformation strategy, which aims to move healthcare closer to the home and more proactive using remote monitoring, real-time information and preventative health screenings.
Participants in the Health Elevator programme will first be asked to fill out a questionnaire which examines their own health and wellbeing and some of their family’s medical history.
Next, they schedule an appointment at their selected CarePlus Pharmacy, where a trained healthcare professional will run through checks relating to: atrial fibrillation; blood tests, including cholesterol, Hb1Ac; blood pressure; BMI; lung function; and waist circumference.
In Association with
Each appointment takes 10-15 minutes and readings are recorded in the Full Health Medical system, while blood samples are sent for testing to Eurofins laboratories.
The results of these checks and the initial questionnaire are combined and reviewed by an algorithmic assisted system and medical professional who will issue a detailed report with recommended follow-up actions. The information is then released to the Personal Electronic Health Record, supplied by Patients Know Best, where each participant will be able to view their results the following day.
As part of the programme, each of the 500 pilot scheme participants is being provided with a Fitbit device and digital app to monitor their health and wellbeing long term.
Taking part in the pilot programme, Minister of State Robert Troy said: “I am very supportive of the use of digital technologies and innovations to help improve and benefit society.
"Measures that improve patient outcomes and enhance their healthcare experience are to be welcomed and I look forward to seeing my results over the coming weeks.”
"The Health Elevator - Rapid Health Check programme/Living Lab is a fantastic example of the kind of radical innovation we want to help us achieve [the aims of the HSE's digital health transformation strategy] and I’m delighted we’re working with CarePlus Pharmacy and others to make that a reality. Today is a brilliant example of architectural innovation and an accountable care ecosystem at work," said Prof Martin Curley, director of digital transformation at the HSE.
John Carroll, a pharmacist and CEO of CarePlus parent Navi Group, said the programme perfectly aligns with the company's approach, adding: "We believe the community pharmacist is an integral part of everyone’s healthcare team.
"Their expert knowledge and the valuable relationship of trust they have with their customers means they’re ideally placed to help manage health on an ongoing basis. We see a real opportunity for pharmacies to step up and play a significant role in preventative healthcare in Ireland and we’re proud to play our part in that patient care pathway.”
Partners in Health Elevator Living Lab include Careplus Pharmacy, HSE Digital Transformation, Full Health Medical, FitBit, Google, Patients Know Best, Amazon Web Services, Eurofins, Roche and Trikmedika.
Photo: Robert Troy with Siobhan Kellett, Health and Wellness Manager, Navi Group, and Samantha Jones, Dispensary Manager, Woods Care Plus Pharmacy, Mullingar. (Pic: Shane O'Neill/Coalesce)
