FAQs
Who developed the library with ORCHA?
The Sussex App Library has been developed through a partnership between NHS organisations across Sussex and ORCHA (the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps).
The organisations involved are:
· Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT)
· East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT)
· Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT)
· Sussex Health and Care
Together, we support people across Sussex to improve their health and wellbeing, access healthcare services, and make informed choices about managing their health. The Sussex App Library helps people find trusted digital tools that can support them alongside NHS care.
What is the Sussex App Library?
There are thousands of health and wellbeing apps available, making it difficult to know which ones can be trusted.
The Sussex App Library helps patients, carers, and members of the public find apps that have been independently reviewed by ORCHA.
The library includes apps that can help with:
· Physical health
· Mental wellbeing
· Healthy lifestyles
· Self-management of long-term conditions
· Access to support and information
Who are ORCHA?
ORCHA (the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps) has been assessing health and care apps since 2015.
They review apps against key standards, including:
Data protection and privacy – how personal information is used, stored, and protected
Clinical assurance – whether the app is considered safe and supported by appropriate evidence
Usability and accessibility – how easy the app is to use for different groups of people
Interoperability – how effectively the app works with other systems and services
Security and reliability – how secure, stable, and dependable the app is
ORCHA are experts in digital health standards and work with NHS organisations, healthcare providers, and governments around the world.
ORCHA carries out a detailed assessment known as the Baseline Review. This evaluates whether an app aligns with current standards, regulations, and recognised good practice.
ORCHA regularly assesses popular and newly updated apps across a wide range of health and wellbeing topics.
The review is independent and advisory. While ORCHA assesses apps against recognised standards, responsibility for meeting all legal and regulatory requirements remains with the app developer.
What do ORCHA scores mean?
Apps receive a score based on how well they meet ORCHA's review criteria.
In general, a higher score means an app has met more of the standards that ORCHA assesses.
However:
· A high score does not guarantee that an app is right for every person.
· A lower score does not necessarily mean an app is unsafe or ineffective.
The score is intended to help users compare apps and make informed decisions.
How is my data used on this website?
When you use the Sussex App Library, we may collect anonymous information about how the website is used, such as which pages are viewed.
This information helps us improve the service and understand how the library is being used.
The Sussex App Library does not collect or store personal health information.
Apps downloaded from the library may have their own privacy policies. We recommend reading these before using an app.
Individual apps may have their own privacy policies and terms of use. We encourage users to review these carefully before downloading or using any app.
Are these apps a replacement for medical advice?
No.
The apps in the Sussex App Library are designed to support health and wellbeing, but they should not replace advice from a healthcare professional.
If you are concerned about your health, contact your GP, NHS 111, or another member of your healthcare team.
In an emergency, call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.
How do I use the App Library?
You can browse categories or search for a specific condition, symptom, or area of health and wellbeing.
Each app page includes information about:
· What the app does
· Whether it is free or paid for
· Its ORCHA review score
· How to download or access it
Some apps also include a QR code that can be scanned using a mobile device.
Who chose the apps in this library?
ORCHA reviews a wide range of health and wellbeing apps.
The Sussex App Library includes apps that:
· Are relevant to the health and wellbeing needs of people in Sussex
· Have achieved an overall ORCHA score of 65% or above
Most of the apps are free, although some may offer paid features or subscriptions.
App developers may pay ORCHA to review their app, but this does not affect the score awarded or whether an app is included in the library.
Why isn't a specific app listed?
Not all health and wellbeing apps appear in the Sussex App Library.
This may be because:
· The app has not yet been reviewed by ORCHA
· It does not meet our selection criteria
· Similar apps with higher scores are already included
How often is the App Library updated?
ORCHA regularly reviews apps and updates information when apps change or new versions become available.
The Sussex App Library is updated to reflect these reviews so that information remains as accurate and up to date as possible.
What if I have a concern about an app?
If you have a question or concern about an app in the Sussex App Library, you can contact ORCHA directly:
Email: hello@orchahealth.com
ORCHA can provide information about the app review process and respond to concerns about apps featured in the library.