RCNi Decision Support is the only such tool created exclusively for nurses in the UK, says the company.
Evidence based and including over 100 peer-reviewed topics across 24 specialties, the tool provides fast and easy access to current guidance and best-practice information to support nurses’ critical thinking.
Senior nurse editor Richard Hatchett explained that each topic included in the tool highlights decisions that need to be made early when a nurse is undertaking assessment or treatment.
“RCNi Decision Support does this by posing questions relating to patient observations,” he said. “It then provides guidance on how to proceed based on the answers given by the nurse.”
Dr Hatchett stressed that the tool does not make decisions for nurses. Rather, it supports and guides them through the process by providing the information they need at every step. Red flags are included to ensure immediate action and escalation when appropriate.
A year in development and based on extensive market research and user testing, RCNi Decision Support is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. It can be accessed via PC, tablet or mobile phone, or through an app if an internet connection is unavailable, making clinical guidance available to nurses whenever it’s needed.
Content is written by experts in their respective fields and based on best practice guidelines. It will be reviewed regularly and updated as soon as national guidance changes, says RCNi.
Organisations that purchase RCNi Decision Support can customise it to alert users to relevant local policies and procedures.
“So, with catheterisation, for example, a note can be added saying that in this care provider we use this particular type of catheter,” Dr Hatchett said. “This helps shape the decision pathway according to what goes on in practice locally.”
Rachel Armitage, Managing Director of RCNi said: “I am delighted that the RCNi Decision Support tool is available. Not only will it provide nurses with quick access to best practice guidance when they need help making clinical decisions, but it will also play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes.”
