In response to the growing demand for reliable women’s health information, the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) has launched CONNECTPlus, a new app designed to provide accurate, trusted advice and enable self-help for women. Developed in collaboration with HCI Digital, the app addresses the need for clarity amidst the overwhelming amount of online health content available.
The initiative stems from extensive community engagement, where over 1,200 residents shared their experiences with local health services. The feedback revealed a strong desire among women for a dependable platform to access clear, accurate health information.
Lizzie Mapplebeck, Associate Director of Strategic Change at the ICB, highlighted the problem: “We found that women were often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information online. There is a real need for trusted, reliable sources that offer education and self-help advice on women’s health, available day or night. By launching CONNECTPlus, we are advancing health inclusivity and promoting equality in women's health services.”
Comprehensive Health Coverage
CONNECTPlus offers guidance on key aspects of women’s health, including:
- Cervical Screening
- Menstrual Problems
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Contraception
Beyond these areas, the app also supports a broad range of health conditions, making it a versatile tool for various treatment pathways.
A Collaborative Approach with HCI Digital
The app has been developed by HCI Digital, a leader in digital health solutions aimed at transforming how health systems deliver care. CONNECTPlus empowers patients by providing:
1. Reliable Information and Education: Enabling women to better understand and manage their conditions and treatments from home.
2. Symptom and Treatment Tracking: Allowing health systems to monitor patients remotely and offer timely support.
3. Digital Care Pathways: Guiding patients through treatment programs, ensuring they have the support they need at every stage.
Already in use across the NHS for various conditions, CONNECTPlus is customised to meet the needs of each local service, providing information, guidance, and monitoring to reduce demand on traditional healthcare services and support care closer to home.
The app marks a significant step toward health equity, offering women a trusted resource to navigate their healthcare journey and manage their well-being with confidence.
The app can be downloaded via Google Play and the Apple App Store. Use your mobile device to scan the QR code below or visit the dedicated web page (https://api.hciconnect.plus/SNEE-WHH/) to access download instructions.
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