A pilot study to evaluate the usefulness of an innovative digital point-of-care information system for the management of multiple chronic conditions.

A major challenge for junior doctors is preparedness for clinical management of acutely ill patients with associated multiple chronic conditions. Digital point-of-care information systems (POCIS) using mobile phone apps have the potential to enhance preparedness for managing these patients by providing useful evidence-based information at the time of management. We evaluated the usefulness of a new and specifically designed digital POCIS (BMJ Best Practice Comorbidities Manager) by using a semi-structured online questionnaire in a cohort of recently qualified junior hospital doctors. We found that 85% of participants obtained useful information from the new resource and 95% participants considered that they could apply this information to provide evidence-based treatment. The usefulness of the resources was supported by free text comments. Our evaluation suggests that the BMJ Best Practice Comorbidities Manager has the potential to enhance the preparedness of junior doctors by providing useful information at the point of care.