Doctors in Devon are reminding parents to consult the HANDi paediatric app if they aren’t sure what to do when their child is unwell.
The free app, available to download onto any Apple or Android device, was launched specifically with children in mind and is loaded with expert advice, support and guidance for parents with concerns about their children.
Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust designed the easy-to-use app with paediatric consultants to provide clear, concise information for parents and carers.
It covers a range of common conditions such as high temperatures, abdominal pain, headaches and rashes, which can cause concern to a parent or carer if they are not sure what to do.
The award-winning app asks a series of questions about the symptoms the child has and then advises the best course of action to take, whether to treat the condition at home, consult a pharmacist or GP, and if it is serious to head to A&E.
It has been specifically adapted to be suitable for people in Devon, directing users to their nearest hospital.
HANDi is updated regularly by qualified clinicians to provide the best advice and will ask users a series of short questions to identify their child’s condition, and then advise them what course of action to take.
Dr Shelagh McCormick, a Devon GP, said: “Parents generally don’t want to take their children to A&E, which can be a very scary experience for a young child, so if that can be avoided we hope that this easy-to-use app can help ease parents’ concerns.
“We are seeing increasing numbers of people using technology to access health advice across the country. People lead busy lives and having that expert medical advice at your fingertips can save a lot of time and worry.”
