New free advice app for doctors to help curb the rise in claims and complaints

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) has launched a new free advice app to help address the rise in claims and complaints.

It is the first ever app that allows all healthcare professionals free access to advice on the medicolegal and ethical issues that can arise from everyday practice.

MPS has seen claims against UK members increase by 40% from 2011 to 2012, and a recent MPS survey found that 58% of respondents had been subject to a complaint, claim, or GMC investigation in the past 12 months.

MPS receives hundreds of calls a week from doctors seeking quick advice. Issues range from getting a minor’s consent to report writing.

The MPS Advice app gives busy healthcare professionals access to expert medicolegal advice on issues arising from their professional practice, at the touch of a button, and is regularly updated to reflect current guidance.

Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at the Medical Protection Society said, 'The healthcare landscape is rapidly changing. Doctors often have to manage complex ethical and legal issues. The MPS Advice app has been designed to allow doctors to access relevant support and guidance from their smartphone.

We believe this app could help curb the rise in complaints and claims. It is written and regularly updated by experts at MPS and puts our advice and guidance at your fingertips.'

The MPS Advice app was tested by more than 100 users, and received numerous positive comments. One reviewer wrote:

'It exceeded expectations. In a climate where medicolegal aspects are becoming increasingly important in all our clinical decisions such a resource is highly relevant and valuable. Well done!'

The app has been designed in a simple and easy format to give busy healthcare professionals fast access to topical issues such as confidentiality and parental responsibility.

The app includes:

Advice on a wide range of medicolegal topics tailored to healthcare professionals in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Over 300 case reports from the flagship MPS publication Casebook

The app can be easily downloaded for iOS or Android devices, and automatically updates with new material as it becomes available wherever the mobile or tablet connects to Wi-Fi. It can be set to wherever the person is in the UK – allowing healthcare professionals working in a busy clinical environment to have access to free medicolegal advice any time at the touch of a button.