NHS Digital has created a new process to enable organisations to re-use content from the NHS website without the usual sign-up.
It has taken the step in response to the surge in demand for content due to the coronavirus crisis, and to encourage others to use clinically approved information as widely as possible.
The organisation has developed a handful of tools to help public and private sector bodies refer to the information.
Two are focused on signposting to NHS website coronavirus content: a button that can be embedded in web pages or apps for a click through to the content; and a coronavirus banner that can also be embedded. The wording within the latter is updated as changes are made to the website.
Another two have been designed to support the re-using of the information. One is a widget that allows a content box to be embedded in an app or website with NHS website styles. NHS Digital said the widget takes users through a step-by-step process and that no technical expertise is needed to embed it. Updates are made automatically.
The other is a coronavirus API, through which developers can tap into whole pages from the website or shorter modules for re-use.
Common questions about coronavirus are also available as voice-friendly pairs of Q&As in the API.
Saving time
Ian Phoenix, director of citizen health technology at NHS Digital, said: “We know that lots of organisations and companies now want to share digital health information, but it can be time consuming to ensure this is accurate and up-to-date.
“By enabling our coronavirus content from www.NHS.uk to be re-used, as many people as possible can find the right health information wherever they look, whether that’s on the website of their local authority, school or local supermarket.
“Users can choose whether they signpost to the NHS website or publish information from it, and all the content in the tools will automatically stay updated in line with the latest guidance.”
NHS Digital said that more than 2,000 users currently publish NHS health information on their websites or apps, and that so far the coronavirus tools have been accessed by nearly 200.
Image from nhs.uk, Open Government Licence v3.0
