Addressing health inequalities, with Monica Fletcher OBE distinguished respiratory health expert

Monica Fletcher OBE is a distinguished respiratory health expert, who has innovated all her career, be that here in the UK or further afield in Bangladesh and China. With a career spanning over three decades, Mon has made a massive and significant contribution to the field of respiratory health

She recently joined Dom Burch and Saira Arif on the Up, Up and Away podcast to discuss her career, digital health, and global health initiatives.

An honorary research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, Mon shared how her career in nursing, driven by passion and serendipity, evolved into a focus on respiratory health. She emphasised the critical role of digital transformation in healthcare, highlighting the importance of integrating data and technology to improve patient outcomes.

She advocates for involving patients from the inception of digital health solutions, ensuring their practical implementation and acceptance. Stressing the need for intuitive, user-friendly designs that engage both patients and healthcare professionals. Drawing from her international experience in countries like Bangladesh, she underscored the universal healthcare needs and the potential of mobile technology to bridge gaps.

Addressing health inequalities, Mon suggested that enabling patients who can use digital tools to manage their health frees up resources for those requiring in-person care. She proposed creating online communities for patients, allowing them to support each other privately, especially younger individuals who may not want to discuss their conditions openly.

She also highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes in asthma management in the UK, advocating for new commissioning models and the adoption of wearable devices and early detection methods.

Motivated by a desire to make a difference and innovate, Mon encouraged listeners to maintain a clear vision and resilience in their efforts to improve healthcare.

Her insights offer a roadmap for leveraging technology and community engagement to enhance health outcomes globally.