NHSE Digital Weight Management Programme Referral Hub

Summary

First nationwide online digital weight management platform: This innovative platform is the first of its kind worldwide, providing a comprehensive digital solution for weight management that is accessible to users nationwide.
Web-based Referral Hub for NHS DWMP: The platform serves as a centralised referral hub, allowing NHS service users to access tier two weight management services through a streamlined, web-based interface.
Triage algorithm for appropriate intervention level: Utilises a sophisticated triage algorithm to determine the most suitable level of intervention for each user, enhancing the likelihood of successful programme completion.
Developed within NHS, adhering to governance standards: Created within the NHS framework, the platform adheres to stringent information governance standards and complies with the Government Digital Standard, ensuring data security and user privacy

The Hub allows service users to choose the weight management product they feel they can connect with most successfully. The Hub includes several state-of-art digital components such as API which facilitate a single point of access for health professionals and service users.
A triage algorithm identifies the appropriate level of intervention based on the service user’s likelihood of completing the programme and offers a choice of weight management service providers.
Multiple referral pathways (GP, Pharmacy, NHS Staff, etc.): Allows referrals from various sources, including GPs, pharmacies, NHS staff, musculoskeletal services, public self referrals and elective care, ensuring broad accessibility.
User choice of weight management product: Empowers users by offering them the choice of weight management products, allowing them to select the one they feel most comfortable with and likely to succeed in.
The Hub represents a significant advancement in digital health and API technology offering a scalable and user-centric (near) real time referral management.
Focus on inclusivity and efficiency: Emphasises inclusivity by catering to a wide range of users and improving efficiency in public health and healthcare resource management.

Free to use for service users: The programme is free for eligible users, removing financial barriers to accessing weight management services.
Choice of provider and remote online support: Users can choose from a variety of providers and receive support remotely, offering flexibility and convenience.
Electronic templates and automated transfer for NHS staff: Provides NHS staff with electronic templates for referrals and automated transfer of user details, streamlining administrative processes.
Funded by NHSE Prevention Team: The project is funded by the NHSE Prevention Team, ensuring sustainability and support for the programme.
Over 417,000 patients referred since April 2021: Demonstrates the programme’s success and reach, with a significant number of patients referred to the hub since its launch.
A near real-time data repository also connects referral data and patient outcome data enabling national reporting and invoice validation.
Early outcomes of the programme has been published internationally: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.24024