How can GPs start making digital wellbeing part of routine clinical care?

HPFSS member and NHS GP Dr Helen Thomas gives a practical walkthrough of the new Ardens Digital Wellbeing template, developed following her work with Ardens to help clinicians identify and respond to digital harms affecting children and young people.

Helen explains how the template can help clinicians:

• Ask about the impact of digital technology on mental health, daily activities, safety and wellbeing
• Identify and explore potential concerns
• Access the Smartphone Addiction Scale to help assess potentially addictive behaviours
• Provide appropriate advice, follow-up and signposting
• Access evidence-based resources and guidance directly within the consultation

Helen also explains an important further development: screen guidance has now been incorporated into the Ardens 6–8 week baby check template, including HPFSS Early Years 0–5 guidance that clinicians can share directly with new parents and carers.

As Helen explains, introducing these conversations from the earliest years can help families access the right information at the right time, while the standalone Digital Wellbeing template gives busy clinicians a practical way to make questions about devices, safety and wellbeing part of their history-taking with children and young people.

Dr Helen Thomas is an NHS GP and member of Health Professionals for Safer Screens (HPFSS).