Acute exacerbations | Right Decisions

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.

Oral antibiotic therapy should be guided by sputum cultures.
Antibiotic choice should not be delayed while culture results are awaited – the choice should be directed by previous positive cultures.
In the absence of previous positive sputum cultures, oral antibiotics to cover common respiratory pathogens are recommended, using local formulary guidance where available. The recommended duration is 14 days. Shorter courses may suffice in those with mild bronchiectasis.⁶²
- 1st line - amoxicillin 500mg to 1g three times a day⁶²
- 2^nd line - doxycycline 100mg twice a day

A first positive culture for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in sputum should trigger a discussion with local bronchiectasis specialists to consider eradication therapy.