Best dissertation prize awarded

Aasha Cowey, a Regional Patients & Information Senior Support Manager at NHS England, won the Best Dissertation prize within UCL's MSc in Health Informatics. Her dissertation is entitled, "What can we learn from digital natives? A qualitative study of undergraduates’ views of digital health".

Aasha's research used a series of interviews and focus groups with undergraduates to investigate the expectations of the next generation when it comes to digital health services. She found that undergraduates were keen to use digital services, although in some contexts they still wanted their healthcare delivered in traditional ways. For example, participants were keen to book appointments through an online portal, but still wanted to see their GP in person. Likewise, some in the study felt getting a communication on paper made it seem more official or "real" than the electronic alternative.

The dissertation prize is sponsored by Cerner, who are working with UCL on a variety of projects. Each year, the best dissertation on the MSc course receives £1000.