A NEW mobile phone app devised in Devon to help doctors access up to date prescribing guidance has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

NHS Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NHS NEW Devon CCG) developed the app which has been shortlisted for the Health Service Journal Awards in the 'using technology to improve efficiency' category.

The Devon Formulary and Referral app gives doctors the most up to date prescribing guidance wherever they are, allowing GP's to spend their time more efficiently.

The awards received more than 1600 entries from around 600 organisations across 23 categories and they will find out if they have won in November.

The app was launched in March and has already had 1500 downloads

Chris Roome, a pharmacist and the CCG’s head of clinical effectiveness, said: “It is great that this important work has been recognised nationally.

“We developed the app because we know that rapid, easy access to up-to-date, evidence-based guidance is essential for clinicians.

“This project really makes use of what technology has to offer to make sure patients get the best outcomes.”

The tool has integrated clinical guidance for doctors, with advice on treatments and referral to specialists, replacing previous stand-alone systems at a smaller cost.

Dr Tom Debenham, a clinical lead for the CCG who was involved in developing the app, said: “The app is fantastic because it allows me and my colleagues to access up to date information wherever we are.

“Clinicians can carry all of this information around with them, whether they are in clinics or visiting patients out in the community.”