GPs to text patients urging them to change unhealthy habits

Patients could be sent text messages urging them to change unhealthy habits under radical proposals from the Health Secretary. Matt Hancock wants to use data from patients’ own medical records – as well as more general information on population trends – to work out their risk of developing certain illnesses. Patients would then be sent targeted public health advice via an app, email or text message which is based on their specific risk. Mr Hancock believes it would be far more effective than blanket campaigns on obesity, smoking and drinking. A middle-aged adult with high blood pressure – who was overweight and drank a glass of wine a night – would be urged to cut back on alcohol, diet and take more exercise. The policy, known as ‘predictive prevention’, is only in the very early stages and officials at Public Health England are yet to determine exactly how it will work in practice.