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.
Welcome to the NHS Scotland Spinal Orthotics Clinical Decision Support Tool. This resource has been created to direct Orthotists to make evidence based decisions when selecting Spinal Orthoses for their patients.
The tool is based on a systematic literature review carried out in 2018, which was refreshed in 2023. However, the evidence base is updated at regular intervals and any treatment changes required as a result of new evidence, newly available product, or changes to best practice are updated on the pathway as required.
It is designed to assist Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Orthotists in selecting the brace that has shown to give the greatest benefit for patients with spinal trauma or a number of other pathologies in terms of restriction of motion within the spine to allow healing, reduction in spinal pain, improved spinal posture when upright, or improvement in function and is based on the available evidence and the knowledge and skills gained via a Qualification in Prosthetics and Orthotics leading to registration with HCPC.
This tool should not be used to guide an orthotic prescription unless used by a health care professional with relevant competencies.
Although specific spinal braces have been identified in the pathways, the products recommended in this tool are examples of types of Orthoses which are either quoted in the literature or are in current common use and should be fit for purpose for the level of spinal injury sustained.
These examples are not exhaustive and are by no means the only appropriate brace. Other spinal braces with similar properties can be used by the prescribing Orthotist based on clinical presentation.
Use of specific braces will change periodically as new and suitable products become available. Product choice is dependent on the preference of each Health Board. The final decision lies with the Orthotist to choose which product is best for the individual patient based on the features of the orthosis, how it will fit the patient, availability, cost, familiarity and individual clinical decision making.
The tool was created by an editorial group within NHSGGC and NHS Grampian and was sponsored by the Scottish Clinical Orthotic Leads Group.
Content development and moderation is carried out by a working group within NHSGGC led by the Orthotics Neuro Team Lead.
Changes are approved by the NHSGGC Orthotics Clinical Lead and taken to the Scottish Clinical Orthotic Leads group for external validation.
Technical maintenance and updating of the app is carried out by Tactuum Ltd and funded through the National Decision Support Programme led by the Digital Health and Care Institute.
The Orthotics Spinal clinical decision support tool is reviewed annually. Content will be updated as and when required by changes in the evidence which is updated on a regular basis as new papers are available. This process is managed jointly by Orthotics and Knowledge Services.
The app is compliant with Android and Apple accessibility standards for native mobile apps. The website is compliant with WC3A 2.0 Standards.
The app is supported by Android 4.4 or later and iOS 8.0 or later devices. The website is optimised for use on both desktop and mobile devices in the following browsers - IE9+, Chrome, Edge, Safari.
Orthotics Spinal Pathways