Doctors health app downloaded 8000 times
A new app for smartphones and tablets designed by Prof John Kinsella has become one of the most popular free medical apps available for download.
The SIGN app (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) outlines what kind of care patients should expect when they suffer from particular medical conditions.
Prof John Kinsella is Professor of Anaesthesia at the University of Glasgow and also works for Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Speaking to the BBC Prof Kinsella said
“The problem is that clinical guidance is sometimes in a paper form which is difficult to find, or it can be accessed on the internet which means logging in and often you’ve got to log out of some other programme first. In that period you are losing valuable time when you should be doing some other task. It is basically a delay, and sometimes a delay prevents you from doing it at all.”
One of the reasons medical apps are now so popular with clinicians is that mobile phones no longer interfere with medical equipment, meaning medical staff can use smartphones and hand-held tablet computers while working on the ward. The SIGN app offers guidelines on a wide range of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, diabetes and the management of asthma and psoriasis.
“The real advantage is that these guidelines are easy to access by members of the public. It is entirely logical that if you have a certain condition, it is very useful for you to be able to look up what care you should expect to receive. This empowers patients and makes the discussion between the doctor and patient much more well informed.”
This app is available worldwide and if you are wanting to download it look for ‘Sign guidelines’
