These apps be downloaded to your phone or tablet for ease of access or accessed via a computer via The Knowledge Network Point of Care. If you are accessing any of the below outwith the NHS network, sign in with your NHSScotland OpenAthens account. If you need an account, register for free.

BNF and BNFC (up to date information about medicines)

•   BNF/BNFC: Apple
   
•   BNF/BNFC: Android
   
•   Help with using the app
   

BMJ Best Practice (clinical evidence summaries)

We recommend following instructions to create a personal account and download the app from the BMJ Best Practice website. See How to download the app for more information.

•   BMJ Best Practice: Apple
   
•   BMJ Best Practice: Android
   

DynaMed (clinical evidence summaries)

We recommend creating a personal account on the DynaMed website first which you can use to access the app. See Help to install the app for more information. 

•   DynaMed: Apple
   
•   DynaMed: Andriod

Remote meetings

Please refer to IT and information governance guidance on appropriate tools and access from your NHSScotland Board or local authority in the first instance. 

• Video Conferencing guidance (RRHEAL)

• Guidance for Microsoft Office 365, including Teams

• Zoom – use the free service to host meetings of up to 100 participants for 40 mins. Should not be used to discuss patient or sensitive data

• Zoom security - make your meetings more private and secure

Remote consultations

Visit the dedicated remote consulting section of this site for resources and guidance to help practitioners with telephone and video (Near Me) consultations.

Person-centred virtual visiting 

The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Patient Centred Team and the librarians have developed help sheets for staff and patients to improve the use of mobile devices for virtual visiting. If you make use of these they would be interested to hear from and your experience.

Mobile Messaging

•   WhatsApp: Widely used and you can create group chats
   

There are two Apps with similar functionality used by some Boards

•   Hospify: Free, data compliant, secure text and photo messaging app approved by the NHS Apps Library
   
•   Pando: You need an nhs.net email to use
   

Related information governance guidance

•  Scottish Government - COVID-19 information governance guidance
   
•  Scottish Government - Information governance guide to instant messaging software (e.g. WhatsApp)
   
•  Information Commissioner's Office - Health, social care organisations and coronavirus - what you need to know
   

Note: you may also want to discuss local policies with your Information Governance team.

Upskilling practitioners and return to practice staff in healthcare pandemics can be supported in their induction by use of simulation.  Simulation can be used  to develop both your confidence and competence  in technical skills such as venepuncture and IV cannulation and non-technical skills such as teamworking and leadership.

Developing a shared mental model of the learning outcomes will help you to have a common understanding of when it is most effective and efficient to utilise simulation in preparing the workforce.

These skills units on Procedural Skills and Simulation Scenarios are relevant to any health or social care practitioner involved in the care of patients with COVID-19 across social, primary and secondary care settings.

We have identified relevant procedural skills required for the assessment, diagnosis and management of a patient with suspected COVID-19 in the community, primary or secondary care settings.