Building an NHS-Compliant HealthTech App
What it takes to build a patient-facing mobile app that meets NHS and GDPR standards
If you're building a HealthTech product that needs to work within the NHS ecosystem — DSP Toolkit, FHIR APIs, DTAC alignment — this is what development with Prodevel could look like.
Is This You?
Seed-stage HealthTech founder or NHS digital team lead building a patient-facing or clinical application
Questions You\'re Probably Asking
- Q1How do I build an NHS-compliant mobile app?
- Q2What is the NHS DSP Toolkit and does my app need it?
- Q3What is DTAC and how does my app comply?
- Q4How do I integrate with NHS FHIR APIs?
- Q5How much does it cost to build a healthcare app in the UK?
The FAQ section at the bottom of this page answers all of these in detail.
The Challenges This Scenario Involves
- NHS compliance requirements (DSP Toolkit, DTAC, FHIR) are unfamiliar and complex
- GDPR requirements for special category health data are stricter than standard
- App must work on both iOS and Android with clinical-grade reliability
- Data must be stored in UK data centres — some cloud defaults don't qualify
- Clinical workflows require different UX thinking than consumer apps
- Development timelines are often constrained by pilot or procurement deadlines
How Prodevel Would Approach This
NHS-adjacent development requires a team that has done it before. At Prodevel, we approach HealthTech builds with compliance running in parallel to development from day one — not as an afterthought. Here is what a typical engagement would look like if you brought a HealthTech product to us.
Compliance & Architecture Planning
Week 1–2- Review of your specific compliance obligations (DSP Toolkit, DTAC, CQC if applicable)
- Data classification — what counts as special category health data
- AWS UK region architecture design meeting NHS data residency requirements
- FHIR R4 integration scoping if NHS system connectivity is required
- Compliance documentation plan produced alongside development roadmap
Clinical UX Design
Week 2–4- User research with patient and clinician personas
- WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility requirements built into design from the start
- Wireframes and prototype tested with representative users
- Clinical workflow mapping — alert hierarchies, emergency escalation paths
- NHS design system alignment where applicable
App Development
Week 4–14- React Native cross-platform app with offline-first architecture
- Biometric authentication (Face ID, fingerprint) — no password-only flows
- End-to-end encryption for all patient data in transit and at rest
- Push notification infrastructure for clinical alerts
- FHIR R4 API middleware layer for NHS system integration
- Automated DAST (dynamic application security testing) in CI/CD pipeline
Compliance Sign-Off & Launch
Week 14–16- DSP Toolkit evidence pack produced and submitted
- DTAC self-assessment documentation prepared
- Penetration test arranged and remediation completed
- App Store and Google Play submission with medical app compliance notes
- Clinical pilot onboarding and monitoring setup
What You Could Expect
A production-ready, NHS-compliant mobile app with full compliance documentation — ready for clinical pilot and NHS procurement.
Services Involved in This Scenario
Mobile App Development
Cross-platform iOS and Android apps built with React Native. Offline-first, biometric auth, and clinical-grade reliability standards.
Custom Software Development
Backend infrastructure, FHIR API integrations, and clinical data pipeline development on NHS-compliant UK cloud infrastructure.
UI/UX Design
Clinical UX design with WCAG 2.1 compliance, user research with patient and clinician personas, and NHS design system alignment.
DevOps & Cloud Solutions
AWS UK region infrastructure, security-first CI/CD pipelines, DAST scanning, audit logging, and encrypted data at rest and in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every health app need to meet the NHS DSP Toolkit?
The DSP (Data Security and Protection) Toolkit is required if your app processes NHS patient data or connects to NHS systems. If you're building for NHS trusts or integrated care boards as clients, they will typically require DSP Toolkit compliance as a procurement condition. We help scope exactly what applies to your product during the architecture planning phase.
What is DTAC and how does it affect my app?
DTAC (Digital Technology Assessment Criteria) is the NHS framework for evaluating digital health tools. It covers clinical safety, data protection, technical security, interoperability, and usability. It's not a formal certification but is increasingly expected by NHS buyers. We produce DTAC self-assessment documentation as part of our HealthTech engagements.
Do I need to integrate with NHS FHIR APIs?
Only if your app needs to read or write patient data from NHS systems like the Personal Demographics Service (PDS) or Summary Care Record (SCR). Many HealthTech apps operate on their own data without direct NHS integration. We scope this in week one — connecting to NHS APIs adds complexity and timeline, so we only recommend it when genuinely required.
Can patient data be stored in the cloud?
Yes, but with conditions. NHS guidance requires UK data residency — patient data must be stored and processed in UK data centres. AWS UK South (London) and Azure UK South meet this requirement. We configure infrastructure specifically for NHS data handling as a default, not an add-on.
How much does a HealthTech mobile app cost to build?
A clinical-grade cross-platform app with backend, compliance documentation, and NHS integration typically costs £40,000–£90,000 depending on complexity. The compliance layer (documentation, security testing, FHIR integration) adds meaningful cost vs a standard consumer app — but trying to bolt it on after the fact costs significantly more. We scope accurately before starting.
What happens when NHS API standards or compliance requirements change?
NHS digital standards do evolve — FHIR versions, DSP Toolkit requirements, and App Library criteria update regularly. We build compliance flexibility into the architecture and can provide retainer support to keep your app current. We also monitor NHS Digital publications as part of ongoing HealthTech client relationships.
Does This Sound Like Your Situation?
Book a free consultation. We'll listen to your specific context and tell you honestly whether Prodevel is the right fit and what an engagement would look like.