Up, Up and Away - the digital health podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Up, Up and Away, Dom Burch and Saira Arif sit down with Emma Weston, founder of Digital Unite, to explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—questions in digital health and public services:Who are we leaving behind?As Digital Unite marks its 30-year anniversary, Emma reflects on why digital exclusion remains such a persistent challenge. The conversation explores how decades of well-intentioned effort have failed to shift the dial—largely because we’ve been trying to solve a systemic problem with short-term, project-based thinking.Emma makes a compelling case for reframing digital inclusion—not as a side initiative, but as a core organisational responsibility. In a world where digital is now the front door to healthcare, services and opportunity, inclusion must be treated as a long-term investment in people, access and outcomes.The episode also examines the growing impact of AI. While full of promise, it risks widening existing inequalities if we haven’t yet addressed the fundamentals—digital confidence, literacy and access. From people without email addresses to care leavers navigating a digital-first world, this conversation brings big ideas back to real human experiences.Crucially, it’s not all doom and gloom. Emma shares what is working—from Digital Champions to community-led support—and leaves listeners with a practical challenge:Where are we still treating digital inclusion as a bolt-on—and what would it look like to make it part of how we operate every day?🔑 Key ThemesDigital exclusion isn’t going awayDespite 30 years of effort, the problem persists—and in many cases is getting worse.We’re solving the wrong problem the wrong wayShort-term projects can’t fix a long-term, structural issue.Digital literacy is now a basic life skillAs essential as reading, writing and arithmetic in modern society.AI could widen the gapWe’re accelerating into the future without fixing the foundations.Access doesn’t equal inclusionDevices and connectivity aren’t enough—confidence, skills and usability matter.The power of Digital ChampionsPeer-to-peer support and community networks are key to scaling impact.From funding to investmentDigital inclusion should be embedded into how organisations operate—not treated as a nice-to-have.Start with conversation, not perfectionSmall, practical steps—especially across teams—can begin to drive real change.Find out more Emma Weston and Digital Unite.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Dom Burch speaks with Dr Lewis Thomas, a former NHS GP and accredited life coach who lives with sickle cell anaemia. Lewis shares how lived experience, medical training, and coaching came together — and why social media may now be one of the most powerful tools for reaching patients the healthcare system struggles to reach.🔥 Key Topics Covered🩸 1) Living with sickle cell — and the fear that comes with misunderstandingLewis describes his first major sickle cell crisis at age 12 as “the worst pain imaginable” — but also explains how confusion and lack of understanding from others created fear and uncertainty.🏥 2) Becoming a doctor — and ending up admitted to the hospitals he worked inLewis explains how junior doctor stress made his symptoms worse, leading to hospital admissions inside the very system he was training in.🧱 3) The NHS reality: broken systems, limited time, limited resourcesHe shares how the system’s lack of capacity makes it difficult for clinicians to truly help — especially when conditions like sickle cell don’t fit “tick-box” patterns.🌊 4) Post-Covid general practice: “a tsunami” of angry, exhausted patientsLewis describes how the emotional weight of post-Covid demand wore him down over time, as patients returned with unmet needs, delayed care, and mounting frustration.🧠 5) The turning point: discovering Flow on holiday in GreeceWhile on holiday, Lewis read Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi — and realised there were people who loved their work and lived in a state of purpose… and that he didn’t feel that as a GP.💬 6) Life coaching: “holding space” and helping people change their livesLewis shares how coaching gave him a new model of care — one based on listening, clarity, and helping people find their own answers, not just prescribing.📱 7) Why TikTok reached people a GP surgery never couldLewis explains how social media enabled him to reach people with sickle cell who might never seek help through traditional routes — delivering bite-sized, trusted education directly to their phones.🌍 8) The Sickleverse: building community, confidence, and agencyThe Sickleverse brings people together globally, giving access to education, peer support, and a space that reduces the isolation many people feel living with sickle cell.🤝 9) Trust, racism, and why partnership mattersLewis speaks openly about mistrust in medical systems — particularly in Black communities disproportionately affected by sickle cell — and why working with credible voices and influencers can help overcome barriers.🩺 10) Authenticity over authorityOne of the most memorable insights: Lewis doesn’t need to wear a suit or a stethoscope to help people — he can show up as himself, and that’s exactly why people listen.🔗 Links & ResourcesJoin The Sickleverse: www.sickleverse.comBook mentioned: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience — Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Up Up and Away, Dom Burch is joined by Terri Quigley — a Project Manager at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, an award-winning Participation & Engagement Coordinator, and a passionate advocate for respiratory health and lived-experience-led change.Terri brings a uniquely powerful perspective. She works inside the system, helping shape services for children and young people — but she’s also a parent, and she and her teenage son Ethan both live with severe asthma. That combination of professional insight and lived experience makes this a conversation that’s as practical as it is emotional.Terri shares why the Digital Health Passport has been a genuine “game-changer” for their family — not just in improving asthma control, but in helping Ethan build confidence, reduce anxiety, and take ownership of his condition as he becomes more independent. One of the standout moments is Terri’s story of Ethan going on his Duke of Edinburgh expedition, managing asthma, allergies and a complex routine of medications — including inhalers and biologic injections — and how the app helped make that possible in a way that felt safe for both of them.The conversation also explores the bigger system challenge: what meaningful participation really looks like, why “sending out a survey” isn’t enough, and why lived experience needs to be present in the board-level meetings where decisions are made. Terri describes the moment that spurred her into action — seeing a meme of a board meeting about young women’s health made up almost entirely of older white men — and how that pushed her to help create a clearer framework for involvement, including simple “crib sheets” that make participation less intimidating and more effective.Terri also speaks candidly about asthma anxiety, why many children avoid PE and physical activity, and how fear can sometimes be unintentionally passed down from parents who simply don’t feel confident about what to do when symptoms flare.And towards the end, Terri leaves listeners with a message that’s hard to ignore: asthma deaths are overwhelmingly preventable — yet families are still being let down. Her call is simple and urgent: if we empower patients and carers with better understanding, better tools, and better support, we can prevent avoidable A&E visits — and save lives.Terri also highlights the campaign “Too much blue, get a review” — a simple but vital reminder that if you’re using your blue reliever inhaler more than three times a week when you’re well, it’s time to speak to a healthcare professional.Links & resourcesToo much blue, get a review — if you’re using your blue reliever inhaler more than three times a week when you’re well, it’s time to speak to a healthcare professional.Learn more about the Digital Health Passport from Tiny Medical Apps.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Up, Up & Away, host Dom Burch is joined by Naomi Watt, from Asthma + Lung UK, for a wide-ranging conversation about behaviour, motivation, and what it really takes to design digital health tools that people actually use.Naomi reflects on her early career as a respiratory nurse — from reading X-rays on lightboxes to working in A&E, general practice and helplines — and how her passion for learning helped her absorb knowledge almost by osmosis. But she also shares a pivotal realisation: just because she cared deeply about respiratory health didn’t mean everyone else did, or could, in the same way.That insight became central to her later work. Post-COVID, Asthma + Lung UK recognised that healthcare professionals themselves were a missing link in improving care for people with lung conditions. Clinicians were coming from a huge range of backgrounds — GPs, paramedics, pharmacists, practice nurses — with very different levels of confidence, knowledge and support, often working in isolation within a stretched NHS.This led Naomi to design the Health Professionals Hub: a dedicated digital portal built not around information overload, but around how people feel when they go looking for help. Drawing on self-determination theory, she explains how autonomy, competence and relatedness underpin engagement — particularly when healthcare professionals are dealing with imposter syndrome or uncertainty.Naomi introduces the memorable idea of three “knowledge moments” — the “oh no”, “oh” and “ah” moments — and how designing for psychological safety, accessibility and plain English can turn panic into curiosity. She shares practical examples of how small, thoughtful tools can lead to meaningful changes in clinical practice and patient outcomes.The conversation then widens to young people with long-term conditions, exploring why digital health tools must reflect real life rather than neat clinical silos — and why collaboration matters more than duplication. Naomi makes a powerful case for charities, the NHS and technology partners working together, sharing trusted expertise so it can travel further and reach people in the moments that matter.This episode is not about an app. It’s about empathy, behaviour, and what it means to design healthcare systems that help people feel capable, connected and supported.Topics coveredNaomi’s journey from frontline clinician to system-level designerWhy healthcare professionals were the “missing link” post-COVIDDesigning for motivation, not just informationSelf-determination theory: autonomy, competence and belongingPsychological safety and tackling imposter syndromeWhy collaboration beats duplication in digital healthSupporting young people with long-term conditions in the real world

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Up, Up and Away, Dom Burch speaks with Bethan Almeida, a senior nurse in Brent Health Matters, about childhood asthma, health inequalities, and what effective, community-led healthcare looks like in practice.Bethan leads the children’s asthma workstream in one of the UK’s most diverse boroughs, where 149 languages are spoken and many families face barriers around health literacy, income, housing, and access to care. Her role bridges clinical care, public health, and system improvement, with a focus on preventing avoidable asthma harm.Bethan explains how traditional healthcare pathways often disadvantage families who lack time, money, or confidence to navigate complex systems. Too many children reach specialist care far later than necessary, when much of the harm could have been prevented earlier in the community.A key insight is that clinicians are not always the most trusted messengers. Families may say everything is fine in appointments, but share the reality with people they already trust — sports coaches, faith leaders, or community organisers. These individuals often have regular contact with families and the time to spot issues early and offer practical support.Brent’s progress has been enabled by genuine NHS–council collaboration, using existing public health networks rather than building relationships from scratch. This has helped shift care from reactive to proactive — bringing services to families rather than waiting for crises.One of the most powerful themes is what Bethan calls “compassionate discrimination”. Well-meaning professionals sometimes withhold full advice — for example about reducing dust mites or improving ventilation — because they assume families can’t afford to act on it. While compassionate, this lowers the bar of information and deepens inequality. Bethan argues that everyone deserves the same information, with extra support provided to help those who need it act on that advice.The team also moved away from standard leaflets after communities said they were inaccessible. Instead, they co-designed simple, visual, multimedia resources that people actually use.A standout innovation is the Asthma Community Coaches programme — trained local volunteers who support families, challenge myths, make referrals into clinical pathways, and feed real-world insight back into the system. To date, 58 volunteers have completed the programme.As a result of this work, Brent now has local asthma diagnosis, high-risk clinics, and sustainable pathways that will continue beyond individual staff members.The episode reinforces a simple but powerful message: people don’t need less information — they need better translation, better support, and genuine partnership.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Up, Up and Away, Dom talks to Matt Bourne, CTO at Tiny Medical Apps, about the company’s remarkable eight-year journey to integrating NHS login into the Digital Health Passport (DHP) — a major milestone in connecting young people with long-term conditions directly to the NHS.What sounds like a technical integration is, in reality, the culmination of years of persistence, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Matt shares how TMA began as a small team building multiple patient-facing apps, before realising that regulatory complexity made that model unsustainable — and why creating one trusted, NHS-connected platform became the way forward.From the early days of hackathons to navigating reorganisations, changing sponsors, and evolving NHS standards, this is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to deliver digital innovation within the health system.💡 In this episode, Matt shares:How Tiny Medical Apps became one of the first SMEs to be offered NHS login access — and what being an early adopter really meant.Why medication adherence became the company’s north star after coroner reports revealed most asthma deaths in young people were preventable.How NHS login transforms the DHP, allowing patients to securely access care plans, reorder medication, and build trusted connections with their GP records.What the integration process actually involves — from hazard logs and sandbox testing to balancing safety with accessibility for teenage users.How behaviour change theory (COM-B) underpins the app’s design, combining nudges, reminders, and gamified learning to improve long-term health outcomes.Why TMA partners with charities like Asthma + Lung UK and Epilepsy charities to deliver clinically accurate content at scale, instead of building it themselves.How TikTok and social platforms have helped them reach and engage young people who are often considered “hard to reach” by traditional health services.🧠 Key Takeaway“NHS login isn’t just a piece of tech. It’s a key that finally lets patients access — and use — their own health data safely and meaningfully. It’s what allows us to move from information to empowerment.” — Matt Bourne, CTO, Tiny Medical Apps🚀 Why This MattersThis episode is a powerful reminder that health innovation takes time, collaboration, and resilience. TMA’s journey shows how small companies can play a big role in transforming patient care — proving that persistence and open standards can open doors that once felt closed.For young people managing asthma, epilepsy, sickle cell, or other long-term conditions, NHS login is more than a sign-in screen. It’s a step toward independence, better medication adherence, and fewer preventable emergencies.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Up, Up & Away, host Dom Burch sits down with Dr Tom Chambers and Dr David Dawson to explore one of the NHS’s most overlooked health challenges: obstructive sleep apnoea.More than 9 million adults in the UK remain undiagnosed, making sleep apnoea one of the biggest untreated conditions affecting public health. Untreated sleep disorders significantly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression and road traffic accidents—yet referral pathways, diagnostic capacity and waiting times remain major barriers across the country.Tom and David explain why traditional, hospital-led models simply can’t cope with the rising demand (referrals for sleep studies have gone up by 102%) and how their innovation, Theta Sleep, is aiming to transform diagnosis and treatment by delivering a fully digital, end-to-end pathway that patients can access from home.👇 In this episode:Why sleep apnoea is so widely under-diagnosedThe story behind Bradford’s first sleep clinicWhat inspired Tom and David to co-found Theta SleepWhy every stage of the current pathway is a bottleneckThe role of new NICE-approved home sleep diagnosticsHow digital tools reduce unnecessary appointmentsWhy patients don’t always need to see a consultantThe preventative health opportunity in sleep medicineWhat needs to change in the NHS to scale careWhy sleep is now recognised as the fourth pillar of health💡 Key Quotes“Referrals for sleep studies have gone up by 102%. It’s now the fastest-growing diagnostic test in the NHS.” — Dr Tom Chambers“We now have around 7,500 people on treatment with a waiting time of just three weeks — compared to more than a year elsewhere.” — Dr David Dawson“Patients don’t always need a consultant seeing them. With oversight and digital tools, other clinicians can safely do much of the work.” — Dr David Dawson🌙 Why this mattersSleep disorders dramatically increase long-term morbidity and mortality, yet public conversations focus mostly on “sleep hygiene tips” like screen time and 8-hour sleep targets. As Tom explains, the bigger problem is the millions of people living with undiagnosed clinical sleep disorders that require proper diagnosis and treatment.Digital-first, community-based care could change that—and improve population health at scale.🎧 Listen if you’re interested in:NHS innovationdigital health and remote carepreventative healthcarerespiratory medicinechronic condition managementmedical entrepreneurshipclinical pathways and redesignhealth tech startup stories

Send us Fan MailIn the latest episode of the Up, Up and Away podcast hosts Dom and Saira caught up with Hamdoun, a 19-year-old assistant PE teacher from South London and new ambassador for Tiny Medical Apps' Digital Health Passport. Hamdoun is currently working in a primary school near Wembley Stadium, is passionate about supporting young people, especially those with asthma and long-term conditions. Background & RoleInitially wanted to be a footballer; discovered a love for sports coaching during sixth form.Works with children aged 4–11 and engages with every student throughout the week.Sees physical activity as essential for health and personal development.Asthma & Young PeopleMany pupils in his school live with asthma, but older children often shy away from discussing it.Some feel ashamed or fear being mocked, leading to reluctance in using inhalers or disclosing their condition.Emphasises normalising asthma through open conversations and preparedness.Practical Action & SupportProactively checks asthma status before school trips and matches.Shares a powerful story about noticing a child struggling during a football match due to asthma—his support and quick action made a real difference.Discovered an expired inhaler and followed up directly with the parent to stress the importance of medication checks.Digital Health PassportExcited to become a Digital Health Passport ambassador to further support young people.Believes in empowering children to speak up and take ownership of their condition.Sees technology as a valuable tool to remind parents and pupils about medication and expiry dates.Advice to Young PeopleDon’t be ashamed—you're not alone.Share symptoms and personal preferences with trusted adults like PE teachers.Participation in sport can boost both physical and mental health—even for those with asthma.Suggestions for SchoolsMore frequent reminders to parents about checking medication expiry dates.Foster environments where students feel safe discussing their health.Hamdoun brings empathy, leadership, and lived experience to his role. He’s a role model helping children play hard and breathe easy, showing that supporting young people with asthma isn’t about over complication—it’s about caring, preparing, and listening.

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode (timed to coincide with the build up to this year's Clean Air Day on 19th June), Dom Burch is joined by Agnes Agyepong—maternal health advocate, founder of Black Child, Clean Air, and creator of the Glow Mama Awards. Agnes shares how her personal experience of being ignored as a mother led her to uncover the hidden impact of air pollution on children’s health, particularly in Black and working-class communities.She opens up about battling suicidal thoughts while pregnant, and how she transformed pain into purpose—campaigning for environmental and maternal health justice, and building one of the UK’s largest digital awards for mums on social media.You’ll hear about:The systemic challenges facing Black mothers in the NHSHow air pollution nearly claimed her daughter’s life—and sparked a nationwide campaignThe birth of Black Child, Clean Air and its viral impactAgnes’s journey through maternal mental health and the healing power of affirmationThe creation of Glow Mama and its mission to celebrate motherhood in all its formsWhat digital health innovators need to get right for parentsAgnes is a force of nature. Her story is a call to action—for belief, community, and change.⚠️ Trigger WarningThis episode includes discussion of maternal mental health and suicidal thoughts. If you’ve been affected, support is available. (See below.)🧠 Support and ResourcesSamaritans (24/7): Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgPANDAS Foundation (Perinatal Mental Health): pandasfoundation.org.uk | 0808 1961 776Mind (Mental Health Support): mind.org.ukMaternal Mental Health Alliance: maternalmentalhealthalliance.org🔗 Connect with AgnesWebsite: globalcmh.orgInstagram: @globalchildandmaternalhealthLinkedIn: Agnes Agyepong

Send us Fan MailIn this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Up Up and Away, hosts Dom Burch and Saira Arif launch the Breathe Easy, Play Hard campaign, dedicated to empowering young athletes with asthma. Sparked by the untimely passing of Saira's close friend Brendt Barrett, a strength coach who lived with asthma and sadly died of cancer, the campaign encourages open conversations between young athletes and their coaches about managing asthma both on and off the pitch.Dom and Saira explore why asthma is often a hidden condition in sports and emphasise the importance of normalising it in sporting conversations. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges young athletes face and highlight how even small adjustments—like taking time to use an inhaler—can be the difference between fear and freedom in sports.They shine a spotlight on the vital role coaches and PE teachers play in creating inclusive, supportive environments and introduce the Digital Health Passport, a free app to help athletes track symptoms and take control of their condition. The duo call for collaboration with schools, sports clubs, and parents—especially in South East London—to join the movement, reduce stigma, and ensure no child is sidelined by asthma.Saira shares personal insights about navigating asthma in Dubai’s unique environment, from sandstorms to air-conditioned buildings, underscoring the importance of being alert to global and personal triggers.This episode is not just a tribute to Brendt and the work that he did, but a call to action—inviting listeners to share their stories and help shift the narrative so that asthma becomes a part of the sports conversation, not a barrier to success.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dom Burch sits down with Inhaler Tailor founders Will and Harriet Hogge, alongside marketing intern Lauren McClean, to discuss their innovative approach to asthma care, their journey as entrepreneurs, and the impact of their product.From Idea to Innovation: The Birth of Inhaler TailorWill Hogge, originally from a tech background, shares his journey from working at Microsoft and running an elephant sanctuary to launching Inhaler Tailor. The idea was born when he saw his goddaughter struggle with asthma medication adherence. Wanting to make inhalers more appealing, he created a customisable case that turns an essential medical device into something fun and personalised.Breaking the Stigma Around Inhaler UseAsthma inhalers are often associated with weakness in popular media, reinforcing a stigma that makes young people reluctant to use them in public. The Inhaler Tailor cases aim to change that by transforming inhalers into accessories that users are proud to carry. Bright, stylish designs—including rubber ducks, unicorns, and even glow-in-the-dark options—help children and adults alike embrace their inhalers rather than hiding them.The Power of Social Media and Dragon’s Den ExposureHarriet explains how a TikTok video unexpectedly went viral, garnering over 3 million views in just two weeks. This pivotal moment not only boosted visibility but also caught the attention of Dragon’s Den, leading to a game-changing opportunity for the business. With social media as a core marketing strategy, they’ve seen firsthand how video content resonates with younger audiences, helping normalise inhaler use.The Bigger Picture: NHS Collaboration and Clinical TrialsWhile Inhaler Tailor has gained traction with individual customers, Will and Harriet are working toward wider adoption within the UK healthcare system. NHS trusts have already begun placing bulk orders, but navigating the complexities of funding and research remains a challenge. A study with York St John University and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospital is in the works to quantify the impact of their cases on medication adherence. Will and Harriet's early research suggests 76% of users take their inhaler more regularly, and 99% find their inhaler easier to locate.What’s Next for Inhaler Tailor?Looking ahead, Inhaler Tailor aims to expand internationally, particularly in the U.S. They’re also focused on securing NHS backing and funding for a full-scale clinical trial to further validate the product’s benefits. They invite NHS professionals and potential collaborators to reach out and help drive this initiative forward.Find Out MoreFor more on Inhaler Tailor, visit inhalertailor.com or simply search Inhaler Case online. They’re also available via WhatsApp on their website for direct inquiries.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Up, Up & Away, host Dom Burch sits down with Yinka Sholaja, a clinical project manager and passionate advocate for digital health innovation, particularly in the management of sickle cell disease.Yinka shares her personal connection to the disease, her journey into clinical research, and how digital health tools—like the Digital Health Passport—can empower patients, track symptoms, and provide essential resources. The discussion delves into health inequalities, the importance of community support, and the potential of AI and machine learning in transforming healthcare accessibility.Key Themes & TakeawaysDigital Health & Sickle Cell DiseaseYinka emphasises the importance of digital health solutions for managing chronic conditions like sickle cell disease.Health Inequalities & The Need for InnovationYinka highlights disparities in healthcare, especially for marginalised communities.She stresses the importance of improving access to quality care and tackling health inequalities.Her experience in Nigeria shaped her passion for addressing these challenges.The Role of Technology in Patient EmpowermentYinka discusses the potential of digital health tools, particularly the Digital Health Passport, to help patients track symptoms, manage pain, and receive health alerts.She points out that providing people with the right tools can significantly improve their health outcomes.AI and machine learning hold promise for enhancing healthcare accessibility and effectiveness.Community Support & Patient VoiceThe importance of a sense of community for individuals living with sickle cell disease is emphasised.Patients benefit from shared experiences, support networks, and accessible, trustworthy information.The Caribbean & African Health Network is involved in outreach efforts, helping to understand and address patient needs.Research & Clinical TrialsYinka is engaged in research on improving sickle cell disease management through lifestyle changes and technology.She encourages participation in digital health trials to validate the effectiveness of the platform in improving patient outcomes.Previous successes with asthma apps indicate that digital health tools can help users take control of their conditions.Reaching the Right AudienceEngaging young people where they are—whether through social media, community spaces, Cub Scouts or sports clubs—is key to ensuring health innovations are effective.Traditional healthcare outreach (such as GP posters) may not reach those who need these solutions the most.Call to ActionYinka urges people affected by sickle cell disease to participate in upcoming trials to help refine and improve the platform.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the "Up, Up and Away" podcast, Dom Burch interviews Victoria Betton, founder and director of PeopleDotCom Limited, a consultancy specialising in human-centered design, digital strategy, and adoption for social impact. With 25 years of experience in charities, social work, the NHS, local government, and industry, Victoria shares insights from her journey into digital health and her passion for user-centered design.Key discussion points include:Victoria’s Career Path: Victoria traces her unconventional route from studying English literature to founding her consultancy, highlighting her pivotal roles in the NHS and her creation of MHabitat, a consultancy within the NHS focusing on digital health innovation.Children’s Digital Health Accelerator: Victoria talks about The KidsUp health accelerator with Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where she is helping startups navigate the NHS system to create impactful digital health solutions.Challenges in Healthcare Innovation: The conversation delves into the complexities of introducing tech in healthcare, emphasising user-centered design to solve real-world problems, the importance of addressing health inequalities, and the hurdles small companies face in scaling innovations within the NHS.Equity Charter Campaign: Victoria discusses her involvement in a campaign promoting equity in digital health, advocating for inclusive design and addressing digital poverty in underserved communities.Future of Digital Health: Finally, Dom and Victoria explore the prospects of regional collaboration in healthcare, foundational digitisation efforts, and the need for sustainable and accessible innovation. A qualified social worker and coach, Victoria holds master's degrees in Women's Studies and Social Work, and a Diploma in Public Sector Relations. Her doctoral research focused on mental health and online social networks. She is also an author and public speaker, with her latest book titled "Towards a Digital Health Ecology – NHS Digital Adoption through the COVID-19 Looking Glass." Victoria is actively involved in various professional roles, including serving as a member of the techUK Health and Care Council, co-chairing the techUK/NHSD/NHSX User-centred Design Group, and mentoring for the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and NHS Digital Academy.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Up Up and Away podcast, host Dom Burch welcomes Kate Cheema, Director of Evaluation and Insight at UCLPartners. With over 17 years in NHS data analysis and patient safety, Kate offers a deep dive into the transformative power of data and AI in healthcare, describing her work as “turning all this nerdy gold into something meaningful for people working directly with patients”.Kate describes her passion for data analysis, embracing her role in transforming vast datasets into valuable insights that directly support healthcare professionals. Rather than simply accumulating data, her team's mission is to make this information actionable, providing clarity and direction to those in patient-facing roles. She explains that the integration of AI and new data tools is revolutionising how healthcare can utilise its full data potential, beyond traditional structured formats, making this an exhilarating time for health innovation. Focusing on asthma management, she highlights the substantial financial burden of uncontrolled asthma, emphasising that solutions like the Digital Health Passport (DHP) not only improve patient outcomes but also offer significant cost savings by helping patients better manage their conditions. The DHP’s tracking feature, highly valued by users, fosters a sense of empowerment and control, transforming routine health data into a daily tool for self-management.By targeting young people and underserved communities, Kate reveals the DHP for asthma has demonstrated a 2.24-point improvement in asthma control, which she notes is both statistically significant and practically impactful. She emphasises the empowering nature of the DHP, saying, “Knowledge is power, and having that in the palm of your hand gives a sense of control”.Kate also discusses the broader potential of AI in healthcare, describing it as an “exciting time to be alive” as unstructured data becomes actionable through advanced text analysis tools, making patient voices central to healthcare improvements. Her team, she explains, acts as a “translator,” bridging data insights with real-world applications, from clinical settings to patient self-management.The Digital Health Passport's role in reducing emergency visits and improving asthma self-management also promises a significant cost-saving, with an ROI of £9.28 for every £1 spent, illustrating the financial and healthcare benefits of data-informed innovation. As Kate succinctly puts it, “Uncontrolled asthma is really expensive… Anything that helps people move into a more controlled space will save potentially very significant sums of money”.Kate's podcast offers insights for healthcare innovators and underscores the profound impact of data on patient well-being, affirming the role of tools like the DHP in improving health outcomes and accessibility. Her optimism shines through, as she expresses hope for a healthcare landscape increasingly informed by rigorous data analysis and patient-centred innovations.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Up, Up & Away podcast, Dom Burch interviews Charles Kwaku-Odoi, Chief Executive of the Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN). He is a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Greater Manchester, an honorary member of the esteemed Faculty of Public Health (FPH), and the honorary Ecumenical Canon at Manchester Cathedral.He has trustees and board roles including the NHS Race and Health Observatory; Manchester Foundation Trust Council of Governors; and Government SAGE Ethnicity Subgroup. Charles was named in the Health Service Journal 50 most influential Black Asian and Minority Ethnic people in health in the UK for two years running (2022 & 2023). Dom and Charles discuss CAHN's efforts to reduce health inequalities, particularly within Black communities, and its collaboration with Tiny Medical Apps on developing a Digital Health Passport to assist in managing long-term conditions like epilepsy and sickle cell anaemia.Health Inequalities and Trust:Charles emphasises the deep challenge of trust in healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic:"The big challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic was the lack of trust in services."He highlights the need to build relationships with faith and community leaders to gain trust and improve health outcomes.Co-Design and Lived Experience:Charles underscores the importance of including communities in the design of healthcare solutions: "The lived experience makes an awful lot of difference."Co-designing with communities ensures the relevance and effectiveness of healthcare interventions.Digital Health and Empowerment:He discusses the empowering role of digital tools like the health passport for sickle cell patients: "It's empowering for people to take the lead in managing their conditions."He explains that enabling individuals to track symptoms and access reliable information can reduce the burden on the healthcare system.Collaboration and Long-Term Solutions:Charles advocates for moving away from short-term pilots and focusing on long-term, systemic change, calling for greater collaboration between regions and communities: "We need to shift from treating conditions to treating people as individuals."Join us for a special webinar hosted by Tiny Medical Apps on 15th October, titled "Asthma Innovation: Digital Strategies to Impact Health in our Communities". Explore how digital health tools can revolutionise asthma care and improve health outcomes in underserved communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from industry experts and learn about cutting-edge strategies to tackle health inequalities through technology. Register now to secure your spot!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the podcast, host Dom Burch sits down with Jess Russell, an experienced asthma practitioner, to discuss practical strategies for managing asthma, the importance of patient education, and the role of digital tools in supporting better health outcomes.Key Themes and Highlights:Empowering Patients Through Education and Self-Management Jess emphasises the critical role of education in empowering patients to manage their asthma effectively. She shares insights on how patient education goes beyond simply understanding asthma as a condition—it involves teaching patients the skills and confidence needed to manage their symptoms daily."It’s not just about knowing what asthma is; it's about understanding how to live with it every day, recognising triggers, and knowing when to use medications appropriately," Jess explains.Importance of Personalised Asthma Action Plans A major point Jess makes is the value of personalised asthma action plans. She highlights that these plans are tailored to each individual, taking into account their specific triggers, symptoms, and lifestyle."Asthma action plans are essential because they provide a clear roadmap for patients and their families. It’s about having that step-by-step guide that empowers them to act confidently, especially in emergency situations."Jess also discusses how these plans can be integrated into digital platforms, making them more accessible and easier to update as needed.Role of Digital Tools in Asthma Management Jess and Dom delve into how digital tools like the Digital Health Passport (DHP) are revolutionising asthma care. Jess underscores the benefits of having a digital tool that allows patients to monitor their condition, track medication use, and stay informed about their health."Digital tools like the Digital Health Passport provide a convenient way for patients to keep track of their asthma. It’s not just about logging information; it’s about giving patients a sense of control and involvement in their care," Jess states.She also points out that digital tools can facilitate better communication between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to managing the condition.Community and Support Networks Jess discusses the importance of building a strong support network for asthma patients, which includes not just healthcare professionals but also family, friends, and peers."Asthma management isn't something that should be done in isolation. Having a support network that understands the challenges and can offer support is invaluable," she says.She highlights how digital platforms can also serve as a community space where patients can share experiences and support each other.Advocacy and Raising Awareness Throughout the interview, Jess is passionate about advocating for greater awareness around asthma and the need for continuous education and resources."There’s still a lot of misunderstanding about asthma. We need to continue raising awareness and ensuring that everyone—patients, families, and even schools—have access to the right information and tools," Jess emphasises.Conclusion:Jess sheds light on the multifaceted approach needed to manage asthma effectively. From patient education and personalised action plans to the integration of digital tools and the power of community, Jess highlights the key strategies that can make a real difference in the lives of asthma patients. 

Send us Fan MailIn the latest episode of Up, Up and Away, host Dom Burch speaks to Dr. Pamela Rackow and Alexandra Dima - two esteemed researchers in the field of health psychology and digital health. Pamela is a Psychology Lecturer at the University of Stirling, who specialises in the mechanisms of behaviour change and the role of digital technology in promoting healthier lifestyles. Alex is Principal Researcher at the Avedis Donabedian Research Institute - Autonomous University of Barcelona. Alex focuses on person-centred care and improving the management of chronic conditions through collaborative care and self-management support. Her research spans a variety of conditions including asthma, HIV, cancer, and stroke, with a strong emphasis on shared decision-making, treatment adherence, health literacy, and eHealth.In the podcast they cover several key themes in health psychology and digital health, particularly focusing on behaviour change, chronic condition management, and the role of digital technologies. Health Behaviour Change and Digital Technologies:Dr. Pamela Rackow emphasises the importance of digital technology in promoting behaviour change, particularly in the context of chronic conditions like asthma. She discusses various interventions, such as digital apps and gamification, to support individuals, especially young people, in managing their health. For example, she mentioned using WhatsApp groups to support healthier eating and a gamified app to educate young people about COVID-19, which not only informed but also reduced anxiety by engaging with the subject in a controlled way. Person-Centred Care and Self-Management:Alexandra Dima discusses the importance of person-centred care and the challenges of self-management for chronic conditions. She highlights the diversity of healthcare systems across Europe and the need for tailored care that considers individual circumstances. Dima also touches on the need for better communication between healthcare professionals and patients, as well as among professionals themselves, to improve care outcomes.Challenges in Behaviour Change:Both Pamela and Alex agree that behaviour change is complex, with diverse and individualised reasons for certain behaviours. They discuss the need for tailored interventions that consider a person’s current context and life situation. Dr Rackow points out that small, manageable steps are crucial for empowering patients and fostering self-efficacy, which is essential for long-term behaviour change. Role of Collaboration:Both researchers emphasise the importance of collaboration between universities, healthcare providers, and digital health developers. Dr Rackow expresses a desire for more partnerships to translate research into practical digital health solutions, while Alex Dima discusses the potential of the Enable repository to foster collaboration and share best practices across Europe. Future Trends in Digital Health:The conversation ends with a discussion on future trends in digital health. Alex Dima highlights the challenge of balancing technological integration with maintaining diversity and user engagement. Dr Rackow is excited about further collaborations that can bridge the gap between academic research and practical digital health applications, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Tiny Medical Apps / Digital Health Passport podcast, cohosts Dom Burch and Saira Arif interview Laura King, a senior children and young people's asthma practitioner for North East London. Laura shares her journey from starting in orthopaedics to becoming an asthma specialist, highlighting her initial experiences in A&E and her passion for managing long-term conditions like asthma.Key Themes:Career Journey and Passion for Asthma Care:Laura King discusses her transition from orthopaedics to asthma care, emphasising her interest in managing long-term conditions seen in A&E. She shares how her early experiences shaped her dedication to helping children and families manage asthma effectively.Challenges and Strategies in Asthma Management:Laura addresses the difficulties families face, particularly in deprived areas, in managing asthma. She highlights the importance of education and empowerment, ensuring families have the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.Engagement and Education Techniques:Laura elaborates on her use of visual aids and storybooks to simplify complex asthma information for children and families. She believes in making information accessible and memorable through creative methods.Digital Tools and Innovations:The podcast explores the benefits of digital tools like the Digital Health Passport, which consolidates health information in one place. Laura praises the app's ability to help families manage asthma symptoms and access essential information conveniently.Personal Stories and Inspiration:Laura shares personal stories, including the loss of a close friend, which inspired her to write children's books. She also discusses how becoming a mother has driven her to push for improvements in asthma care.Future Direction and Advice:Laura encourages healthcare professionals to show their passion and humanity in their work. She advises not to be afraid of being emotional and personal, as it can greatly enhance patient care.

Send us Fan MailDr. Malcolm White, a clean air specialist at Global Action Plan, joined hosts Dom Burch and Saira Arif to discuss the critical issue of air pollution and its health impacts. Malcolm highlighted his background in hospital medicine and environmentalism, sharing insights from his experience working in deprived areas where environmental factors significantly affect health.He's recently led healthcare education projects, delivering teaching to healthcare professionals in primary care and developing supporting materials to complement these projects. The teaching significantly improved clinician understanding and confidence with regards air pollution. The resources have proved popular and have been adopted by organisations such as the Royal College of Physicians. Malcolm is currently working on encouraging greater actions from the NHS on air pollution at the Integrated Care Systems (ICS) level, in particular working with a cluster of ICSs that represent the South East of England.The interview delved into the historical context of air pollution in the UK, referencing the deadly smogs of the 1950s and the Clean Air Act that followed. Malcolm emphasised that despite improvements, air pollution remains a significant issue, causing up to 43,000 deaths annually in the UK.Malcolm explained the importance of clean air zones, although he noted they are not a comprehensive solution. He discussed the extensive health impacts of air pollution, affecting not only respiratory health but also cardiovascular health and even fetal development.The conversation includes practical steps individuals can take to reduce air pollution, such as using active travel, public transport, and improving indoor ventilation. Malcolm also stresses the crucial role of educating healthcare professionals about air pollution, advocating for its inclusion in healthcare curricula.Global Action Plan’s initiatives, including the Clean Air Hospital Framework, aim to help hospitals and the NHS reduce their air pollution contributions. Malcolm called for enhanced government action on clean air and improved transport infrastructure.The podcast concluded with a call to action for listeners to visit the Global Action Plan’s Knowledge Hub for resources and support Clean Air Day efforts.

Send us Fan MailMonica Fletcher OBE is a distinguished respiratory health expert, who has innovated all her career, be that here in the UK or further afield in Bangladesh and China. With a career spanning over three decades, Mon has made a massive and significant contribution to the field of respiratory healthShe joined Dom Burch and Saira Arif on the Up, Up and Away podcast to discuss her career, digital health, and global health initiatives. Fletcher, an honorary research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, shared how her career in nursing, driven by passion and serendipity, evolved into a focus on respiratory health. She emphasised the critical role of digital transformation in healthcare, highlighting the importance of integrating data and technology to improve patient outcomes.Fletcher advocated for involving patients from the inception of digital health solutions, ensuring their practical implementation and acceptance. She stressed the need for intuitive, user-friendly designs that engage both patients and healthcare professionals. Drawing from her international experience in countries like Bangladesh, she underscored the universal healthcare needs and the potential of mobile technology to bridge gaps.Addressing health inequalities, Fletcher suggested that enabling patients who can use digital tools to manage their health frees up resources for those requiring in-person care. She proposed creating online communities for patients, allowing them to support each other privately, especially younger individuals who may not want to discuss their conditions openly.Fletcher also highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes in asthma management in the UK, advocating for new commissioning models and the adoption of wearable devices and early detection methods. Motivated by a desire to make a difference and innovate, Fletcher encouraged listeners to maintain a clear vision and resilience in their efforts to improve healthcare. Her insights offer a roadmap for leveraging technology and community engagement to enhance health outcomes globally.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the "Up, Up and Away" podcast, hosted by Dom Burch with co-host Saira Arif, guest Sara Nelson, a nurse by background and a passionate advocate for asthma care, shares her extensive experience in transforming children and young people's health services through digital innovation. The episode sheds light on the evolution of asthma care, emphasising the importance of digital tools like the Digital Health Passport in managing the condition.Sara discusses her journey from a nurse specialising in cardiothoracic care to becoming a pivotal figure in asthma management. Her work includes founding impactful initiatives like the "Ask About Asthma" campaign and the "Right Inhaler Image" campaigns, aiming to standardise asthma care and educate on proper inhaler use. Sara highlights the significance of these programmes: '#AskAboutAsthma campaign, is the importance of having an asthma action plan, ensuring people know how to use their inhalers and having annual reviews."She reflects on the transformation in asthma care, noting the progress made in standardising treatments and the shift towards digital health solutions that empower patients to manage their conditions effectively. Sara proudly mentions the collaborative effort in London that led to the development of the National Asthma bundle of care, which was inspired by successful models in Finland. Sara highlights the importance of co-production in health app development, emphasising that involving patients in the design process ensures the tools meet their needs and improve self-management. And recalls first meeting Saira, "It was great to have you as one of the first people who used the asthma app, it really helped with some of that initial patient engagement,".The conversation also covers broader issues of air quality and its impact on asthma, underlining the ongoing need for public health initiatives and education to reduce asthma triggers in the environment.This episode serves as a powerful testament to the benefits of integrated, patient-centred care and the potential of digital tools to revolutionise healthcare for chronic conditions like asthma. Sara's insights and experiences provide valuable lessons on the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and innovation in healthcare.For more information on the Digital Health Passport and to hear more insightful discussions on digital health, listeners can visit Digital Health Passport.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the first episode of the Digital Health Passport podcast - Up, Up & Away. Well, you can't have a hot air balloon for a logo and not get a little carried away!The Up Up and Away podcast, hosted by Dom Burch, kicks off with Saira Arif as the special guest, exploring personal experiences and journeys within the digital health sector. Saira shares her unconventional path from the legal field to digital health, emphasising the significance of her work with the NHS and the development of digital health strategies. Her story transitions from legal beginnings, through NHS project management, to her current role in digital health innovation, particularly focusing on asthma management through technology.Saira's journey highlights the evolution of digital health, from concept to practical application, and the impact of personal experiences on health management innovation. The podcast delves into the creation and development of a digital health passport, an app designed with and for users, aiming to address real-life health management challenges. It explores the app's features, such as symptom tracking and air quality alerts, illustrating how technology empowers patients to manage conditions like asthma more effectively.The conversation also covers broader implications for digital health, including expanding the app's utility to other conditions and the importance of reaching underserved communities. The discussion underscores the potential of digital health tools to democratise healthcare access and improve patient outcomes by enabling self-management and proactive care.As the podcast series progresses, Dom and Saira aim to bring in more voices from the digital health landscape, including clinicians, patients, and innovators, to share their insights and experiences. The goal is to illuminate the advancements in digital health and its transformative potential for healthcare delivery and patient empowerment.Subscribe to the podcast as we begin our exploration of digital health's impact through personal stories, highlighting the intersection of technology and healthcare as a pathway to improved health management and equity.