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.
Treating Your Infection Respiratory Tract Infection (TYI-RTI) patient information leaflet
In patients experiencing self-limiting RTIs consider using this UKHSA leaflet to support good antimicrobial prescribing practice.
Self-limiting illness lasting around 3 weeks.
Consider delayed antibiotic prescribing, which is unlikely to be associated with an increase in symptom or illness duration, except in young children (<5 years old)
Antibiotics of little benefit in absence of co-morbidity
If antibiotics are required, choices as per Primary Care (Lower Respiratory Tract - Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)) section.
Duration: 5 days
Refer to: NICE: Acute Cough
Refer to: NICE: Acute Bronchitis
Do not prescribe antibiotics routinely unless signs and symptoms suggest bacterial infection. If required, antibiotic choices are as per community-acquired pneumonia.
Refer to: NICE/CKS: Acute Exacerbation of Asthma
Many exacerbations are not caused by bacterial infections.
Consider the need for antibiotics by taking into account the signs/symptoms that suggest potential bacterial infection (e.g. increased sputum volume/thickness beyond normal day-to-day variation, changes in sputum colour) and the risk of complications.
Do not send sputum samples for culture routinely. Consider sending if there is no improvement in symptoms on first choice taken for at least 2-3 days.
Amoxicillin dose
Penicillin Allergy/Second Line: Doxycycline dose or Clarithromycin dose
If already on prophylactic antibiotics, treat with an agent from a different class.Duration: 5 days
Refer to: Hospital: Paediatrics (Respiratory Tract - Lower, Community-acquired pneumonia)
Use CRB-65 in conjunction with clinical judgement to assess pneumonia severity and whether to treat at home or refer to hospital.
Amoxicillin dose
Penicillin Allergy: Doxycycline dose (Pregnant: Clarithromycin dose)
Duration: 5 days
Refer to: NICE/CKS Community Acquired Pneumonia
Antibiotics not routinely required
Send sputum samples prior to starting antibiotics. Clinical details should indicate patient is being treated for an "infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis".
If a pathogen is isolated in sputum culture, antibiotics only require switching if there is no clinical improvement. Antibiotic selection should be guided by sensitivity results.
Amoxicillin dose
Penicillin Allergy/Second Line: Doxycycline dose or Clarithromycin dose
If already on prophylactic antibiotics, treat with an agent from a different class.
Previous sputum bacteriology results can be useful in deciding which antibiotic to use.
Duration: 7-14 days (use a shorter course for mild exacerbations)
Refer to: BTS Guideline for Bronchiectasis in Adults
Refer to: NICE/CKS Infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis
NHS Dumfries & Galloway Antimicrobial Handbook