HANDi Paediatric App
New mobile app advises parents on common childhood illnesses
NHS organisations in Devon have launched a new mobile app which will give parents up to date advice about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them. NHS Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NHS NEW Devon CCG), Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust (NDHT), the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E) and Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust (PHNT) have worked in partnership to launch the app.
There are 5 NHS Trusts to select when you download the app, you can select Royal Devon and Exeter.
To download to your desktop, please click on the link below and follow the instructions.
HANDi app desktop download instructions
The HANDi app – developed by Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust – is now available to download for free onto any Apple or Android smartphone or tablet. The app has been designed as a way to reduce the number of children and young people who visit A&E but need no treatment. It has been developed by paediatric consultants and will give parents access to home care plans, as well as GP and hospital clinical guidelines, for the most common childhood health care concerns. The app contains information about when and how to ask for help, along with what to expect when your child is being assessed.
Dr Shelagh McCormick, the CCG’s lead doctor for children and young people, said:
“We know parents generally don’t want to take their children to A&E unless it’s absolutely necessary – but often they end up there because they are not sure what else to do. We hope this app will give parents more confidence in dealing with the more minor conditions themselves at home.”
The conditions covered are:
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- ‘Chesty baby’ illnesses such as:
- Bronchiolitis
- Asthma
- Croup
- ‘Chesty child’ illnesses such as:
- Wheezing
- Asthma
- High temperature
- Abdominal pain
- Common newborn problems
The app takes parents through a series of questions about the symptoms their child is experiencing and then advises on the best course of action, whether that’s to treat at home, to make a GP appointment, to go to a minor injuries unit or walk-in centre, or to head to A&E.
Dr McCormick added: “Of course, parents will be advised to seek further help where necessary. This app is really about ensuring children are cared for in the most appropriate environment for their condition.”
