Q: What conditions are monitored as part of the warning notifications?

The following conditions are classed as ‘at risk’ for sensitivity to Air Quality: Allergies Asthma Atrial Fibrillation Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Coronary Heart Disease Heart Attack Heart Failure Unstable Angina

Question 1

Why is the Air Quality Monitor useful for my health?

Accepted Answer

Your health can be significantly influenced by the quality of the air you breathe. Being subjected to air pollution, laden with detrimental particles and gases, can trigger various health issues, both immediate and prolonged. The immediate repercussions of exposure to polluted air may include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.

Existing conditions like asthma and allergies can be exacerbated, leading to symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Sustained exposure to air pollution is associated with severe health consequences, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

Question 2

How can the Air Quality Monitor benefit me?

Accepted Answer

The NowPatient Air Quality Monitor sends you conditional warnings based on the air quality in your location and your pre-existing medical conditions, if you have any.

For example, if you are in an at-risk group like an Asthmatic or suffer from COPD, and the air quality in your location is poor, then we will send you an advisory notification describing what precautions you need to take to prevent the exacerbation of your condition.

Question 3

What conditions are monitored as part of the warning notifications?

Accepted Answer

The following conditions are classed as &#8216;at risk&#8217; for sensitivity to Air Quality: Allergies Asthma Atrial Fibrillation Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Coronary Heart Disease Heart Attack Heart Failure Unstable Angina

Question 4

What are at-risk groups?

Accepted Answer

At-risk groups are defined as adults and children with heart or lung problems, who are at greater risk of symptoms. Follow your doctor’s usual advice about exercising and managing your condition. It is possible that very sensitive individuals may experience health effects, even on low air pollution days. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical advice.

Question 5

Do I need to pay for using the Air Quality Monitor?

Accepted Answer

No. The Air Quality Monitor is a free service available for registered users of NowPatient.

Question 6

Can I rely on the data you are using?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We harness the power of on-ground sensors, remote satellite imagery, and a global proprietary sensor network to get credible data from multiple sources.

Question 7

Do I need to have location services on my device activated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our service is based on your location. If location services are turned off, then we will not be able to provide you with personalised Air Quality data.

Question 8

How will I see the results & what notifications can I expect?

Accepted Answer

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is divided into six categories, as in the table below. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern and corresponding intervention notice that you may receive.

Question 9

Are remote video consultations right for me?

Accepted Answer

Remote video consultations or synchronous consultations are suitable for many patients who do not need a physical examination and who can communicate via video. Remote video consultations might not always be suitable – for example, if you need a test or physical examination. If that is the case, you will need to attend your doctor’s practice. Although our Clinicians are clinically trained in various services that we provide, they are not a substitute for your doctor if you have a serious illness or life-threatening condition. If at any time during your remote video consultation, you feel that you would like to end that consultation, then you can say so and the consultation will be ended.

Question 10

How do I know if the remote video consultation service is safe?

Accepted Answer

NowPatient has specific safeguards and protocols in place that ensures the service we provide you is safe, secure and effective. Our video technology platform is certified to the highest industry standards of data security and clinical governance.

Question 11

Do I need to verify my identity during the remote video consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for your safety and to ensure that the service we provide you, complies with regulations, our clinicians will request that you hold up your ID at the start of your virtual consultation to verify your identity.

Question 12

Can I have a chaperone (carer, friend, family member) join a remote video consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If they are in the same location as you, it is possible to have someone with you during your video consultation. You should let your clinician know if you have someone with you at the start of your appointment. You may be asked what relationship the chaperone has to you.

Question 13

How can I be sure that you are handling and protecting my data securely?

Accepted Answer

We not only meet the UK and US standards for data security but we exceed them. We demonstrate this by regularly auditing our systems, both internally and externally. Our various externally audited accreditations such as ISO27001, DTAC, DSPT, and Cyber Essentials + demonstrate our compliance with global security standards and should give you peace of mind.

Question 14

How is my data stored?

Accepted Answer

NowPatient’s commitment to data residency is a key priority, and to that end, we only house data in validated data centers. We pledge that UK-based data remains solely in the UK, while US data is governed by HIPAA-prescribed data security protocols. The data centers we use align with the highest standards of security and privacy, which is demonstrated by a programme of regular external audits to demonstrate the efficacy of safeguards against contemporary threats.

Question 15

Are my consultations confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we follow strict General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which came into force in May 2018. This places legal requirements on ourselves to ensure your personal data is managed securely with the utmost confidentiality. Records are maintained of the processing that is carried out and reported when breaches of the regulation do occur. Our platform is also HIPAA compliant which means we are able to handle PHI (Personal Health Information) securely.

Question 16

Can I select which clinician I have my consultation with?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NowPatient allows you to choose from a pool of clinicians based on competencies, gender and languages spoken.

Question 17

Will my doctor be informed of any consultations I have through the app?

Accepted Answer

We recognize that your doctor is responsible for your overall care. Our clinicians will communicate with your doctor if they have concerns or recommendations that could be beneficial for your overall care. Referrals are only made upon your explicit consent or if they form part of the terms of service that you consent to.

Question 18

Do remote video consultations save money for health systems?

Accepted Answer

The traditional healthcare model encourages patients with health concerns to visit their doctor or pharmacy to seek a consultation. NowPatient is the first remote video consultation service that connects patients to a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians. It allows patients to book a consultation with a clinician from anywhere in the United Kingdom and the United States. Consultations can be conducted using a smartphone, tablet or PC.

Question 19

Are remote video consultations safer than online questionnaires?

Accepted Answer

NowPatient only provides its services in real time over a live video feed. This is called synchronous telehealth. We believe it is the safest way for you to receive remote care because it is in real-time. It is especially beneficial in an emergency situation as the clinician and patient can visually see each other. The clinician can ask all the questions they need to make a diagnosis or build a treatment plan during the consultation. Equally, any concerns you have can be addressed at the point of consultation. Some providers use a low-tech approach for conducting clinical services such as a questionnaire or quiz. Although it may be suitable for low-risk clinical services, it often means you will not have any face-to-face interaction nor be able to raise concerns about treatment or diagnosis, in real-time, with the clinician who is providing your care.

Question 20

What quality of care can I expect to receive from a remote video consultation?

Accepted Answer

Your remote video consultation, conducted by a NowPatient clinician, will always seek to provide you with safe, high-quality care. Your health and well-being is our priority. We continuously monitor and assess the services we provide you to ensure that it is safe, effective, caring and well-led.

Air Quality Monitor

How it works

When you log into your NowPatient account for the first time, you will be prompted to turn on ‘Location Services’ on your device

Go to your account dashboard and look for the Air Quality Monitor that sits in ‘My Personalized Health Tools’ section

The Air Quality Monitor will show the Air Quality index score for today

If the Air Quality index score is high or breaches safety thresholds, then you will see a red warning box

Click on the red warning box, to see the precautionary advice

If there is a risk to your health, then you will also receive a notification in your ‘My Notifications’ that will outline the risk and what precautions you should take

Service Information

Why is the Air Quality Monitor useful for my health?

How can the Air Quality Monitor benefit me?

What conditions are monitored as part of the warning notifications?

What are at-risk groups?

Do I need to pay for using the Air Quality Monitor?

Can I rely on the data you are using?

Do I need to have location services on my device activated?

How will I see the results & what notifications can I expect?

Data Security

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