GPs in Denmark can now recommend Health Apps directly through the My Doctor App
Patients across Denmark can now receive digital support beyond the doctor’s office. As part of the nationwide rollout of the Recommended Apps in General Practice initiative (Anbefalede apps i almen praksis), all general practitioners (GPs) in Denmark can now recommend quality-assured health apps directly to patients through the My Doctor app (Min Læge).
The My Doctor app is used by more than half of the Danish population. In the app, you can contact your GP on your own behalf and on behalf of your children, participate in video consultations, request prescription renewals for medication, view test results, see your and your children’s vaccinations, and much more.
Supporting patients between consultations
A consultation with a GP typically lasts around 15 minutes, but managing a health condition often extends far beyond the time spent in the clinic. The recommendations in the app aim to support patients between consultations and strengthen their ability to manage their own health.
“The apps that can now be recommended through My Doctor app can serve as a valuable supplement to treatment in general practice. A relevant app can help patients manage their condition and self-care between consultations, while also giving them a more active role in their own healthcare journey,” says Niels Ulrich Holm, General Practitioner and Vice Chair of The Danish Organization of General Practitioners (PLO).
Digital solutions are not intended to replace the personal relationship between doctor and patient. Instead, they are designed to complement traditional care and provide patients with additional support when needed.
“In some cases, I find that digital tools can help patients earlier in their healthcare journey and contribute to preventing their need for treatment from escalating,” Holm adds.
A national collaboration
The initiative is being rolled out nationally through a collaboration between Nævnet for Sundhedsapps (the Danish Health Apps Board), The Danish Organization of General Practitioners, and MedCom. Trifork Digital Health and PLSP are responsible for developing the underlying technical solution.
12 approved health apps available today
Currently, GP’s can access and recommend 12 approved health apps through the Klinik+ practice management system. These apps support a range of patient needs, including chronic disease management, diabetes care, mental health support, and tools that help patients gain a better overview of their health and medication.
All available apps have been assessed and recommended by Nævnet for Sundhedsapps (Danish Health Apps Board), and additional apps will be added on an ongoing basis.
Recommendations delivered directly in the app
When a GP recommends an app, the patient receives the recommendation directly in the My Doctor app, along with a link to download the app from Google Play or App Store.