Dr Kirsten Mackay has published an article concerning the patient information app, Rheumatology Connect, which we created in conjunction with her department.
This article can be found in print or online in Rheumatology, Volume 58, Issue Supplement_3, April 2019 by the British Society of Rheumatology.
This is a huge achievement for our team and marks the next step in making this app, and those similar to it, available for Trusts across the country.
The statistics in this article were correct at the time of submission (August 2018). Now we have had over 1050 downloads and 4512 visits with peaks around the events hosted by the Torbay Rheumatology team.
The majority of users use the app between 2-4 minutes, though some use it for over 10 minutes at a time.
Here is what one of the local patients thought of the app:
I have used the app so far to show to a newly diagnosed acquaintance. I feel it will give her access to useful information from a trusted source. One of the main issues with heath information now is the use of the internet by patients. There is a plethora of websites with information and advice on any condition you could name, but not all are proven and I think patients become very confused with it all. (And possible misinformed)
The app is simple to use and the videos are informative and concise.
There are good pieces of advice and signposting to other websites for information.
The contact details are extremely useful, I have use this part when I’ve needed to contact the specialist nurses.
Having lived with the Rheumatoid Arthritis for too many years now. I am fairly well informed and involved in the management of my own condition. I wouldn’t necessarily use this app as much as, possibly, newly diagnosed or patients whose arthritis is not so well managed.
However, it is still useful to be up to date with treatments and advice as they do change and improve over time. Also conditions can and do worsen, so it’s important to be up to date with current practice.
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