How National Health Online works
National Health Online (NHO) combines structured online assessments, optional AI support and UK-registered clinicians to deliver safe, convenient remote care. Every clinical decision is made by a human clinician – not by AI.
Step 1
Tell us about your symptoms
You start by completing a secure online questionnaire. You can use the AI Symptom Helper to organise your story, then submit a full consultation form.
- Symptom history, duration and pattern
- Medical conditions, allergies and medicines
- What you are most worried about
Step 2
Clinician triage & review
A UK-registered clinician reviews your consultation, any images you have uploaded, and your medical history. AI tools may be used to structure information, but clinicians always remain in charge.
- Risk assessment and red flag screening
- Decision: self-care, remote treatment, or escalation
- Audit-logged decision-making for quality and safety
Step 3
Consultation, treatment & follow-up
Where appropriate, you may be offered a remote consultation (video or phone), advice only, or directed to urgent in-person care. Prescriptions, if issued, are sent to a partner pharmacy.
- Video or telephone consultation (where clinically suitable)
- Electronic prescriptions to partner pharmacies
- Clear instructions and safety-netting advice
Where AI fits in
NHO uses AI carefully and transparently. AI may help you structure your symptoms or help clinicians summarise complex cases, but:
- AI does not make diagnoses.
- AI does not decide whether treatment is suitable.
- All prescribing and clinical decisions are made by humans.
Every AI feature is monitored, logged, and governed under the NHO Telehealth Standard.
Remote consultation modes
Depending on your case and clinician availability, your consultation may be completed using:
- Structured online assessment only (with written advice)
- Telephone call with a clinician
- Secure video consultation in your browser
- Optional image upload (e.g. rashes, wounds) where appropriate
For emergencies, NHO is not appropriate. Patients are directed to NHS 111, their GP, urgent treatment centres or 999/A&E.
Safety, governance and quality
NHO is designed around UK telehealth safety principles: clear boundaries, robust triage, and transparent audit trails.
- Role-based access for patients, clinicians, pharmacies and admins.
- Comprehensive audit logging of key clinical actions.
- Safeguarding, escalation and red-flag pathways built into the workflow.
- Clear terms, consent statements and privacy information for all users.
Ready to start a consultation?
You can use the AI Symptom Helper to organise your thoughts, then submit a full online consultation to a UK-registered clinician.