We asked you in January to update to v4.7.2. After the deployment planned for 27th February, this new update will be needed to ensure that you are able to download RDS toolkits even when the RDS website is not available. We will wait until as many users as possible have downloaded the new version before switching off the old system for app downloads and moving entirely to the new approach.
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 update to the latest release:
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.
Welcome to the February 2025 update from the RDS team
A new release of RDS is planned (subject to outcomes of current testing) for week beginning 24th February. This will deliver:
The release will also incorporate a number of small fixes, including:
We will let you know when the date and time for the new release are confirmed.
There is now the capability to publish toolkits on the web with left hand side navigation rather than tiles on the homepage. To use this feature, turn on the “Toggle navigation panel” option at the top of the Page settings menu at toolkit homepage level – see below. Please note that publication to downloadable mobile app for this type of navigation is still under development.
The Benzodiazepine tapering tool (https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/benzotapering) is now available as part of the RDS toolkit for the national benzodiazepine prescribing guidance developed by the Scottish Government Effective Prescribing team. The tool uses this national guidance developed with a wide-ranging multidisciplinary group. This should be used in combination with professional judgement and an understanding of the needs of the individual patient.
Due to the intensive work Tactuum has had to undertake on the new technology infrastructure has pushed back the delivery dates again and some new requirements have come out of the recent user acceptance testing. It now looks likely to be an April release for the search and browse interface. The archiving and version control functionality may be released earlier. We’ll keep you posted.
At the end of January, Olivia completed the generation of the latest set of usage statistics for all RDS toolkits. If you would like a copy of the stats for your toolkit, please contact Olivia.graham@nhs.scot .
We have now generated reports of all RDS toolkit content that has exceeded its review date by 6 months or more. We will be in touch later this month with toolkit owners and editors to agree the plan for updating or withdrawing out of date content.
Some important toolkits in development by the RDS team include:
The RDS team and other information scientists in HIS have also been producing evidence summaries for the Scottish Government Realistic Medicine team, to inform development of national guidance around Procedures of Limited Clinical Value. This guidance will in due course be translated into an RDS toolkit.
To book a place, please contact Olivia.graham@nhs.scot, providing your name, organisation, job role, and level of experience with RDS editing (none, a little, moderate, extensive.)
To invite colleagues to sign up to receive this newsletter, please signpost them to the registration form - also available in End-user and Provider sections of the RDS Learning and Support area. If you have any questions about the content of this newsletter, please contact his.decisionsupport@nhs.scot If you would prefer not to receive future newsletters, please email Olivia.graham@nhs.scot and ask to be removed from the circulation list.
With kind regards
Right Decision Service team
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
This guideline has been designed to assist in the diagnosis and management of children with croup. It includes a management algorithm and a list of potential differential diagnoses.
Children presenting with the signs of croup.
Healthcare professionals involved in acute paediatric medicine.
November 2023: This guidance is currently under review as it has gone beyond the standard review date. It reflects best practice at the time of authorship / last review and remains safe for use. If there are any concerns regarding the content then please consult with senior clinical staff to confirm.
Croup is an acute respiratory illness causing inflammation and narrowing of the subglottic region of the larynx. It is most often caused by a viral infection.
Where appropriate (if severity allows) a minimally invasive HANDS OFF APPROACH allows best initial assessment– as children can look very different if allowed to settle for a few minutes
Key points:
The following clinical signs (in varying combination) are found in croup:
| Croup | Tracheitis | Epiglottitis | |
| Cause | Viral | Staphyloccocus aureus | Haemophilus influenzae B |
Age | 6m - 3yr | Any age | 2 - 6 yr |
Onset | Gradual | Gradual | Sudden |
Pyrexia | Mild | >38oC | >38oC |
Abnormal sounds | Barking cough, stridor | Barking cough, stridor | Muffled, gutteral cough |
Swallowing | Normal | Difficult | Very difficult with drooling |
Posture | Recumbent | Sitting | Tripod position |
Facies | Normal | Anxious | Anxious, distressed, toxaemic |
