In secondary care, communication isn’t just about passing on information. It’s about helping patients understand their condition, their care and what they can do to manage it confidently. That’s where a patient engagement app can make a genuine difference.
Hospitals and NHS Trusts are increasingly turning to digital solutions to help bridge the gap between appointments, offering patients clear, consistent information that supports recovery and self-management. It’s not about replacing human contact; it’s about extending it.
What a patient engagement app does
A patient engagement app provides a secure, accessible space for patients to learn more about their condition and what to expect before, during and after treatment. It can include information about side effects, recovery timelines and lifestyle support, all written and approved by clinical teams.
For staff, it means patients have a single, trusted point of reference. For patients, it means less uncertainty and more confidence in managing their care. Over time, the app becomes a quiet but powerful companion, there when reassurance is needed, or when the next question arises at home.
Why it matters for patients
Leaving hospital can sometimes feel like stepping off a cliff, especially after complex or ongoing treatment. A patient engagement mobile app helps soften that transition. Patients can revisit key information whenever they need to, supported by guidance from the same teams who treated them.
That consistency builds confidence. Patients no longer rely solely on memory from consultations or paper leaflets that get misplaced. Instead, they can refer to credible, easy to understand information at any time.
In services such as oncology, this support is particularly valuable. Treatment journeys are long, information is complex and reassurance makes all the difference.
Why it matters for staff
A patient engagement platform also benefits clinical and support teams. When patients are better informed, conversations become more focused. Staff spend less time re-explaining aftercare instructions and more time providing meaningful support.
It also ensures everyone is saying the same thing. With approved educational content available through the app, patients receive consistent information regardless of which clinician or department they interact with.
That consistency reduces confusion, lightens the administrative load and helps services meet growing demands without compromising patient experience.
Designed for accessibility and connection
Accessibility isn’t a bonus feature, it’s fundamental. A patient engagement mobile app makes important information available to everyone, wherever they are, and on whichever device they prefer.
With simple layouts, clear language and an intuitive interface, patients can easily find what they need without frustration. For NHS Trusts, that accessibility supports digital inclusion, ensuring no one is left behind in their care journey.
Seeing it in action
We’ve implemented patient engagement applications across multiple NHS oncology teams – including at Royal Surrey County Hospital, where feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive.
Among those who provided feedback:
- 100% said they would recommend the app to other patients in the Early Supportive Care (ESC) service
- 100% rated it “good” or “great”
It’s a small but powerful insight into how the right digital tool, when tailored to a specific service, can have a meaningful impact. For oncology teams, it’s helped reinforce guidance between appointments and given patients greater confidence in managing symptoms and side effects at home.
The results speak for themselves – better communication, calmer patients and smoother care pathways.
Explore what’s possible
If your Trust is looking to strengthen patient education and engagement, explore how our patient engagement platform can support your digital strategy.
FAQ:
A patient engagement app is a digital tool designed to provide patients with clear, trusted information about their condition and care pathway. It helps patients understand their treatment, manage symptoms and feel more confident between appointments, supporting self-management and improving overall patient experience.
No. The app doesn’t replace clinical care or personal consultations. Instead, it complements communication by providing reliable, accessible information that reinforces guidance from the care team, helping patients feel informed and supported.
Patient engagement apps can be used across multiple secondary care settings, including oncology, surgical units, physiotherapy and outpatient departments. Any service where patients need condition-specific guidance and support between appointments can benefit.
Yes. For example, oncology teams at Royal Surrey County Hospital found that 100% of patients who gave feedback would recommend the app to others, and 100% rated it “good” or “great.” This demonstrates its effectiveness in educating and empowering patients in secondary care.