Virtual care platforms introduce new services to meet patient needs

30 Mar 2020 01:00 PM

Babylon, LIVI and Doctorlink are only a few of the companies that are trying to support the UK’s efforts to combat COVID-19.

With over 550,000 cases of COVID-19, according to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University global dashboard, we’ve seen a suite of technology companies step up to provide new tools and services to help countries around the world. Virtual care platforms have been at the forefront of these efforts. In the UK, Babylon, LIVI, Doctorlink and others have put in motion initiatives that aim to help healthcare professionals meet the needs of citizens and adjust to the new way of life. 

Last week, Babylon announced that it was introducing a COVID-19 Care Assistant to check and track symptoms, consult doctors and more, accessible to registered users of Babylon’s GP at Hand service or through other UK partnerships and private subscriptions. Babylon has released more information about the new tool here.

Meanwhile, fellow techUK member LIVI, known as KRY in Nordic markets, has launched a free tool for healthcare professionals to carry out remote consultations during the pandemic, Care Connect by KRY, initially supporting ten languages. 

Doctorlink first updated its online symptom assessment platform in January to help detect potential cases of COVID-19. Now, this is being done regularly, based on the latest guidance from the Government. You can find out more about their app here.

At the same time, following a rapid tender exercise, eleven companies have been selected to provide video consultations for primary care. Digital Health has the list of suppliers that made the cut, which includes LIVI, Doctorlink, iPLATO and eConsult.

At techUK, we have launched a Coronavirus hub that you will be able to access to find out what our members are doing to help, as well the latest news, case studies and information on how to get involved.

If you would like to share the work that you have undertaken to help combat COVID-19, please contact Health and Social Care Programme Managers Tom Russell and Leontina Postelnicu: tom.russell@techuk.org; leontina.postelnicu@techuk.org.