A new smartphone application has been developed to
support the competency of junior doctors by delivering procedure
specific information direct to their mobiles. The free app
demonstrates medical procedures, such as the insertion of
chest drains, and aims to improve performance, and reduce the
number of requests from junior doctors for support, or intervention
from more senior colleagues.
The innovation was supported by a grant from the Charity in line
with its commitment to exploit new technologies that can improve
service delivery locally whilst also having scope for wider
exploitation across the NHS.
The app, iDocs Interactive Medicine, was launched in November
2010 and focuses on thoracic surgery. It was developed by Marco
Scarci, senior clinical fellow, thoracic surgery, at Guy's Hospital
after a consultation with junior doctors in the thoracic surgery
group at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust revealed that 80
per cent had smartphones and that each of these had at least two
medical or job related apps on them.
The app is designed to support junior doctors as they go about
their clinical duties by underlining the training they have
received as an undergraduate and during their postgraduate
Foundation Year 1 and 2 phases.
"The application was developed to meet the needs of junior
doctors rotating through the thoracic surgery ward and as such they
were involved heavily in its development,' explains Scarci. 'As a
result, the app has met expectations, generating a lot of
enthusiasm as well as achieving the highest possible user
ratings."
In fact, the app is also now being used by junior doctors in
hospitals outside Lambeth and Southwark, and has received a five
star rating on the iTunes store, with users evaluating it as: 'a
really great learning aid', 'excellent for trainee doctors. Saves
time and good for bedside recap', and 'current and easily
transferable into practice.'
The next proposed step is the development of the app for use in
other specialities through a modular system allowing doctors to
download guided procedures, references, diagrams, and core topics
related to their specific specialty.