Digital therapies for treating tics and Tourette’s syndrome have been recommended for use within the NHS, marking a significant milestone in healthcare provision. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has for the first time endorsed digital therapies as a treatment option for these conditions, offering new hope for those affected. Tics are rapid, involuntary muscle movements that can manifest as physical actions or sounds. When these tics persist for over a year, they are categorised as Tourette’s syndrome. The recently recommended technologies include a wearable device that administers electrical pulses to a nerve in the wrist and an online self-help programme.
Among the technologies endorsed by Nice is the Online Remote Behavioural Intervention for Tics (Orbit), a digital self-help guide tailored for individuals aged nine to 17. The 10-week programme utilises videos and animations to assist users in managing their tics. Additionally, an online therapist is available to support youngsters in addressing the underlying anxieties triggering their tics. The second recommended technology, Neupulse, comprises a wrist-worn device and a mobile app. This device delivers low-intensity electrical pulses to the median nerve in the hand and forearm to alleviate the frequency and intensity of tics.
Despite the positive recommendation from Nice, Neupulse is currently awaiting regulatory approvals such as the CE and UKCA markings, which are anticipated to be secured by 2026. It is estimated that more than 300,000 individuals in the UK, including both children and adults, are living with Tourette’s syndrome. Reports indicate that individuals with chronic tic disorders and Tourette’s syndrome typically face delays of six months to two years in receiving a diagnosis. As a response to these challenges, the NHS has initiated a consultation to ascertain the feasibility of integrating these technologies into patient care over the next three years.
Prior to receiving access to the recommended digital therapies, patients will undergo a clinical evaluation with a general practitioner. Furthermore, psychoeducation, combining elements of behavioural therapy and education, will remain the primary treatment approach. Mark Chapman, the director of HealthTech at Nice, emphasised the significance of expanding treatment options for individuals across the country, given the disparities in healthcare accessibility. The intent behind recommending these digital therapies is to enhance treatment choices and facilitate easier access to care, irrespective of one’s geographic location.
The slew of challenges faced by individuals with chronic tic disorders and Tourette’s syndrome underscores the critical need for innovative solutions in healthcare. By embracing digital therapies, the NHS is poised to revolutionise treatment pathways and improve outcomes for those grappling with these conditions. The endorsement of Orbit and Neupulse by Nice heralds a new era in the management of tics and Tourette’s syndrome, offering a ray of hope to those affected by these often burdensome conditions. Moving forward, continued research and evaluation will be pivotal in ensuring the long-term efficacy and impact of these digital interventions.
In conclusion, the endorsement of digital therapies for tics and Tourette’s syndrome by the NHS represents a groundbreaking development in healthcare provision. By recommending innovative technologies like Orbit and Neupulse, the NHS is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing care for individuals with these conditions. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the integration of digital therapies offers new avenues for improving patient outcomes and addressing unmet needs in the management of tic disorders and Tourette’s syndrome.