Design, build and release your integration
Integration will consist of two main options – API or web integration. To be considered for API integration, you will be required to already have a FHIR CDS API and the design and maintenance of the user interface will be handled directly by NHS Digital. Whereas web integration will require you to provide your own front-end developer to update your own user interface.
Another feature of integration with the NHS app will be the option to include notifications and messaging. The app already features an inbox so users are able to receive messages and push notifications, and this can be integrated alongside your general NHS app integration.
The design will be subject to prototype testing with users, which will dictate if the integration meets the NHS Digital Service Standard. Moderate usability testing is used to analyse how individual users complete specific tasks and a report is produced by NHS Digital. They will also run a series of quality assurance tests in test environments, within different browsers, and on multiple devices, to ensure any defects are identified and logged.
A definitive rollout plan will then be created and this will detail the gradual release of your integration with GP practices, which will help test integration for issues, as well as measure and monitor usage. This will constitute a minimal viable product (MVP) release of your integration to select practices, before it becomes fully functional within the NHS app and is ready for full release.
