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Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

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. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon 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 install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency 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.

Chest Drain (271)

Intercostal chest drains (ICDs) are required to remove air or fluid from the pleural space. The insertion of these drains, whilst in the majority of cases a straightforward process, can sometimes be associated with serious complications including patient death1. In 2008 the National Patient Safety Agency issued a Rapid Response Report2 highlighting 12 deaths related to ICD insertion reported via the National Reporting and Learning System between 2005 and 2008. A postal questionnaire sent to physicians at all UK hospitals in 2008 revealed that 67% of responding trusts had encountered a major complication from ICD insertion. Over the period 2003 to 2008, 17 deaths were recalled3. Complications causing patient harm short of death included solid organ injury due to malpositioned drains, trocars or dilators, guidewires lost into the pleural space, intrapleural or drain site infection, drain dislodgement/blockage or pain. Serious complications and deaths reported were as a consequence of both Seldinger and blunt-dissection drain insertion.

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Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 19/11/2019

Next review date: 27/04/2023

Author(s): Caroline O'Dowd.

Version: 3

Author email(s): Caroline.o'dowd@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.

Approved By: Acute Services Division Clinical Governance Forum

Reviewer name(s): Caroline O'Dowd.

Document Id: 271