Here at ORCHA, we’re continuously testing and questioning apps, on the lookout for apps which are safe, secure, easy to use and, most importantly, deliver real health outcomes. We now look at 226 elements, to help give health professionals and consumers an informed choice on which health apps to choose.

To help app developers produce the best apps, we’re sharing tips from across the 226 important aspects, which together may help to set your app apart from the rest!

Tip #2: Navigation

To make sure that users can navigate their way around the app, it is advantageous to provide the necessary steps and tabs from one screen to the next. During the review process, we are looking for those simplistic yet significant aspects which will bring value to the user-friendly experience.

We recommend considering a “Home” button (a landing position), a “Back” button (returning to the previous page), and a “Search” function to aid information-finding.

Furthermore, integration of a “Share” button allows users to export their data as desired or even promote the app itself. Not forgetting a Help/About section – your chance to guide individuals through your different functions on a more familiar level.

Great example apps to keep you on track include:

Healthera – NHS Prescription App & Pharmacy Finder

Dario Diabetes Management

Komoot – Cycling & Hiking Maps

Here at ORCHA, we’re continuously testing and questioning apps, on the lookout for apps which are safe, secure, easy to use and, most importantly, deliver real health outcomes. We look at 180 elements, to help give health professionals and consumers an informed choice on which health apps to choose.

To help app developers produce the best apps, we’re sharing tips from across the 180 important aspects, which together may help to set your app apart from the rest!

Tip #74: Improve your Presentation

Taken from measure 74 out of 180. Whilst reviewing apps we’re instantly drawn to the layout, not only how it appears on the surface but just how adaptable the features can be. During the initial set-up there are several things as an app developer you can do to aid to the process for those who may require additional support.

Taking poor sight as an example, you may wish to introduce different text sizes, font colours, and customised themes/backgrounds. Similarly, the implementation of voiceover functions, volume adjustments, subtitles, or integration of text to speech functionality, will be beneficial to individuals with hearing difficulties. #UnlockingThePowerOfDigitalHealth

Great example apps to be inspired by include:

This short guide of top tips from ORCHA helps to identify some of the key areas to consider when developing or looking to improve apps, helping you navigate your way to making your app one of the best on the market.

Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women yet 3 out of 4 suicides are by men. Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust understands the impact living with a condition or receiving treatment can have on a person’s emotions. It provides specialist clinical health psychologist services as part of its condition-specific teams.

To advance how this support is delivered before, during and after discharge, the Trust has adopted the use of safe and tested apps. Hear Dr Jessica Dean, Renal Clinical Psychologist, explain the dangers of using untested health apps in mental health: