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.
All new patients for whom lithium treatment is being considered will be given appropriate information to allow them to make an informed choice. Where patients lack capacity or are to receive compulsory treatment via a T2 or T3, information will be provided commensurate to their needs and capability.
At regular intervals (minimum annually) throughout lithium treatment, patients information needs will be assessed and appropriate information provided.
The information needs of patients will vary over time and often need to be tailored to their capacity and mental state at different stages of their illness. The principle of the recent Montgomery ruling, is that patients are provided with information regarding material risks of treatment sufficient to allow a ‘reasonable’ person to make an informed choice. Alternative treatments should also be discussed. In the context of lithium such information will cover
With these topics in mind the following resources are recommended to clinical staff to use to provide information to potential patients or existing patients prescribed lithium.
Recommended sources of Information
This includes a variety of patient information leaflets (in a variety of formats and languages), handy fact sheets and handy charts. These will be used to provide detailed information and reinforce verbal counselling to all prospective lithium patients and on specific issues for existing patients.
Provides a range of support materials and information for people with Bipolar disorder
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Provides a range of support materials and information for people with Bipolar disorder
Provides a range of leaflets specifically for people with reading or learning difficulties.
NHS GG&C lithium information leaflets
These leaflets were developed jointly by mental health services and Bipolar Scotland as part of the development work for the Bipolar Hub project. The following topics are covered
These leaflets will be issued to all prospective patients and be given to each patient prescribed lithium with their discharge prescriptions. Ward clinical pharmacists will use them to support one to one patient education. The leaflets are available from Leverndale Pharmacy.
Information produced by lithium manufacturers
The UK manufacturers provide a variety of patient information resources on lithium tailored to their product. These can be used to compliment the resources above if necessary. Contact Leverndale Pharmacy for advice.
For all patients for whom lithium treatment is being considered it is the duty of the ward or CMHT multi-disciplinary team to ensure each patient’s information needs are assessed and met.
Ideally all prospective patients will have the opportunity to discuss treatment with a clinical pharmacist prior to treatment starting. However this may not always be possible in which case appropriate members of the MDT will provide the information as outlined in the information resources section above.
Consideration with regards to the level of initial information provided may depend on the patient’s mental state at the time.
Appropriate members of the MDT whether that be in hospital wards or community mental health teams will regularly assess and meet the information needs of patients prescribed lithium under their care. They will use the resources outlined above to meet those needs.
MyPsych App