Article Text
Abstract
BMJ Best Practice provides clinical decision support that is evidence based, continually updated and practical. Clinical decision support must be provided at the point-of-care if it is to have maximum impact. Our users gave us feedback that internet access or Wi-Fi was not always reliable at their workplace and so an offline app was required. In light of this feedback, we built a new BMJ Best Practice app that was based explicitly on user needs. This included a resource that could be downloaded quickly; that would use minimal space; that would contain all the features of the live website; and that would enable users to find answers to their questions within seconds. Through a process of continual improvement we launched a new app that would better satisfy user needs. We monitored user feedback to the new app. We made incremental improvements to the app in light of this feedback. We measured the effect of the improvement by monitoring feedback to the app. The app is now receiving a rating of 4.7 out of 5. We have also analysed qualitative feedback. This is now overwhelmingly positive. Qualitative feedback shows that users are now able to use BMJ Best Practice at the point-of-care. Users are also finding the tool to be a quick method of getting an answer. We have learned the importance of the leadership team basing all improvements on the stated content or technology needs of users. We have also learned that this is an ongoing process. When setting out on this work, we had a clear aim to achieve digital leadership in online clinical decision support. We have found that this can only be achieved by basing all plans on the needs of doctors on the frontline who are responsible for delivering care to patients.