How to keep safe when getting medicines or treatment online (12 March 2020)

Summary

Online healthcare services and apps can help people take more control of their health, by getting access to care easily and when it suits them. This guidance for patients aims to help patients keep themselves safe when using online health services. Produced by a collaboration of UK health organisations, it includes six top tips for accessing healthcare online:

1. Check if the online healthcare service and healthcare professionals working there are registered with UK regulators
2. Ask questions about how the service works
3. Answer questions honestly about your health and medical history
4. Find out your options for treatment and how to take any medicines you’re prescribed
5. Expect to be asked for consent for information to be shared with other healthcare professionals involved in your care
6. Check what after-care you will receive