Chelsea and Westminster launches diabetes app for better care at home

Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has introduced an app to help people better manage diabetes at home.

The DBm-Health app was co-designed by the trust, Sensyne Health and diabetes clinicians and forms part of a wider system to support those with the condition.

The technology is part of a suite of next-generation care tools that have been developed as part of the CW Innovation programme, which was launched in 2019.

The DBm-Health system includes the smartphone app for patients and a desktop app for clinicians.

Patients and clinicians can work together to develop a personalised care plan including lifestyle advice, treatment and clear targets for blood glucose control.

Patients can input their blood glucose readings into the app either directly or via a compatible Bluetooth glucose meter, as well as other relevant data such as when any blood glucose measurements were taken.

This information is then sent to their clinician so they can:

• See individual blood glucose readings
• Identify patients whose glucose readings are out of range, allowing targeted support
• Filter patient lists to help prioritise interventions
• Message patients via the app or by text message

Dr Daniel Morganstein, endocrinologist and diabetes specialist at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “DBm-Health has the potential to radically improve how we manage our patients, especially those benefiting from additional support in self-management.

“It uses only a standard glucose meter available to almost all people living with diabetes. We’re excited by the possibilities of this technology, which comes at a time when we’re trying to care for patients without them having to come in the hospital.

“We hope the new DBm-Health system will enable us to care for more patients by significantly reducing the time taken to contact patients by phone or email to review their data, and allow the team to focus on those needing support.”

During the pandemic CW Innovation, has enabled the rapid acceleration of new technology that effectively manages patient health outside of the hospital.

The DBm-Health service is being launched to a limited number of patients initially with a view to it being rolled out across the trust at a later date.

Dr Lucy Mackillop, chief medical officer Sensyne Health, added: “DBm-Health is another great example of how our collaboration with this innovative NHS trust can deliver solutions that enhance clinical care for patients and improve operational efficiency.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has brought additional burden to the management of diabetes, and we look forward to DBm-Health making a significant difference to diabetes care for patients and clinicians at Chelsea & Westminster and across the NHS.”

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