Healthcare Improvement Scotland Launches Decision Support App
Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) is set to introduce a pioneering app-based service, the Right Decision Service (RDS), aiming to revolutionise decision-making in health and social care.
Positioned as the first of its kind in the UK, HIS is currently piloting the RDS, integrating various apps and online tools, including clinical guidelines and resources.
The ultimate goal is to consolidate these resources into a single app, streamlining access for professionals and ensuring individuals receive valuable care guidance.
HIS emphasises the need for improved direction to relevant care, citing estimates that up to 20% of healthcare lacks value for recipients due to disparate guidelines and tools.
The RDS pilot in primary care electronic health record systems during 2021-22 revealed a significant 82% of clinicians found it beneficial in identifying and mitigating clinical risks for patients.
Recognizing the potential impact of the RDS, the Scottish Government has allocated £525,000 for its further development. HIS will now take the lead role, transitioning from the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre.
Health Secretary Michael Matheson commended the collaborative effort, describing the RDS as a groundbreaking digital service that supports the workforce.
The next phase of work will involve consolidating various sources into one app, enhancing accessibility for healthcare professionals. Dr. Ann Wales, program lead for knowledge and decision support at the DHI, underscores the transformative nature of the Once for Scotland Right Decisions app.
By leveraging evidence and technology, it empowers health and social care practitioners with decision-making tools at their fingertips. This not only saves practitioner time but also promotes safer and more consistent care across Scotland, with a heightened focus on individual needs.
The RDS encompasses decision support tools, including apps for managing patient flow in unscheduled care, prescribing safety alerts in primary care systems, and a versatile toolkit for the assessment and management of common healthcare issues by social care providers.
This initiative represents a pivotal step towards enhancing evidence-based decision-making in the healthcare landscape.
