An evaluation of DOCLY in the management of selected indications
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Pilot evaluation of DOCLY Digital Health Technology in the management of selected indications in a primary care setting
IRAS ID
262495
Contact name
Barnaby Poulton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Docly UK (Holding company in UK is MD International Ltd)
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 3 days
Research summary
Demands on primary care services are increasing yet number of GP practices are falling. Digital solutions can offer a way of improving workload and quality of care. This study looks to evaluate a digital health technology called DOCLY. It allows patients access to medical consultations online or via an app using algorithms developed by clinicians which will follow best practice guidelines to achieve the best outcomes for the patients without the need for face to face intervention. While this service is already widely available in Sweden it is new in the UK so a pilot evaluation is being carried out in two GP practices. Primary objectives are 1.To evaluate acceptability of the service for UK patients and clinicians in selected acute and chronic conditions
2.To demonstrate effectiveness of the Docly service compared to standard of care in terms of treatment and decision making. The service will be tested in four indications which represent a high resource impact on services. Sore throat, back pain UTI and asthma. A successful outcome of the study will have a significant bearing on patient management and reducing GP workload and consultations.Using the Docly app and questionnaire service which will follow NICE guidelines patients can fill this in in their own time and receive advice based on the their symptoms and relevant medical history. All questionnaires will be assessed by qualified GP for the evaluation to ensure advice is in accordance with clinical practice.
Any consenting patient over 18 from the participating practices who has signed up to the DOCLY service, is suffering from one of the specified indications within the 3 month recruitment period from study start can be included. There will be a 3 month follow up questionnaire and analysis of intervening consultations and treatment. Results will be compared to any existing clinical management data.REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EM/0219
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jul 2019
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion