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  1. Right Decisions
  2. DGRefHelp - NHS Dumfries & Galloway
  3. Sexual health
  4. Contraception
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  6. Combined hormonal contraception
  7. Assessment of client suitability
Update your RDS mobile app to v4.7.2 to download toolkits even when website is down.

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. You will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon in the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively update to the latest release - RDS app version 4.7.1 - to see this improvement.

Updating to this latest version of the RDS app is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new resilience  arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number.  To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Assessment of client suitability

History

Clinical history taking and examination allow an assessment of medical eligibility for CHC use and possible contraceptive options for the woman. In this context the history should include relevant social, sexual (to assess risk of sexually transmitted infections – STI), medical, family and drug history as well as details of reproductive health and previous contraceptive use.

This history should be updated annually.

Examination

  • Blood pressure and BMI should be recorded and noted
  • Self-reported recordings are acceptable for remote prescribing
  • Breast examination, pelvic and genital examinations, cervical cytology screening and routine lab tests do not contribute substantially to CHC safety and are not recommended routinely but should be performed if clinically indicated for other reasons. 

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/01/2024

Next review date: 31/01/2026

Author(s): West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network for Sexual Health Clinical Guidelines Group.

Version: 9.1

Approved By: West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network for Sexual Health