Our research shows that patients have a much better experience in the NHS App and other digital services if their practice understands its functions and how it works, and has set up a test patient to check how services appear to patients.
You should encourage practice managers to visit the guidance for GP practices which will help them do this.
You can help us to spread this message to practices using any channels you have available, such as newsletters, emails and events. A communications pack was sent to CCG communications teams that provides templates, images and more to help with this. Your NHS England regional communications team can provide a copy of this pack if you have not already received it.
If you have commissioned a service - such as an online consultation or personal health record - which is integrating within the NHS App, the supplier is responsible for making sure relevant information is available to practices and the public. The communications team within these organisations should work closely with you as the commissioner to make sure this is accurate, and fits in with any planned promotion around the app.
Communications guidance including information on NHS identity guidelines and wording around the NHS App is provided to all suppliers as part of the integration process, and you should liaise with them to use the same principles within any materials you produce.
What GP practices need to do
Our guidance for GP practices tells staff what they need to know, including how to set up a test patient. This will help them decide if they need to make any changes in their clinical systems, for example to appointment settings.