NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has partnered with the Inverclyde Council libraries service to further empower and support locals in making decisions about their healthcare.
Inverclyde libraries are more than just a place to find books, they are a community hub that offer multiple services. Alongside partners including NHSGGC; Inverclyde HSCP; Alzheimer Scotland; Inverclyde Community Link Workers; SAMH; Your Voice; Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, libraries aim to support people to self-manage, maintain and improve their health and wellbeing.
To support this, NHSGGC has introduced the new Realistic Medicine app this week during a drop-in event at Greenock Central Library, aimed at informing local residents about its benefits.
Realistic Medicine is the personalised approach to care that is adopted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and supported by the Scottish Government. Through Realistic Medicine, patients are empowered to share decision making with health care teams by explaining what matters most to them, as well as asking questions about their care. Patients have an active part in managing their conditions to achieve the outcomes that matter to them.
The new app called Being a partner in my care is one of the tools created as part of the Realistic Medicine approach by the NHSGGC. Inverclyde libraries can enable PC and internet access, and trained library staff can support people to navigate the app effectively thanks to training sessions hosted by the NHSGGC Realistic Medicine teams.
The app has a number of videos explaining what Realistic Medicine is and how it can help, a form to fill out with your information to share with healthcare professionals involved in your care, advice on questions to ask as well as a wealth of information on how to manage your care and look after your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Dr Malcom Watson, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Realistic Medicine Champion explained:
“We want everyone to understand that their voice truly matters when it comes to their health. The Realistic Medicine approach and the ‘Being a partner in my care’ app are here to empower locals with the information they need to make informed decisions alongside their health professional.
“It’s important for people to know that it’s perfectly okay to ask questions. This session showed people how to use the app as a valuable tool to support them in this process and help them take greater control of their health. We also recognise that some community members need digital support, and we are grateful to the libraries for their dedication in training and engaging with us to assist their local community.
“We also thank Inverclyde Council libraries service for engaging with Realistic Medicine and helping us bring it to locals. Our hope is that we can grow this into other Greater Glasgow and Clyde library and community settings too,” he said.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, convener of education and communities, said: “Our libraries are at the heart of our communities and offer so much more than books.
“They are hubs where people can enjoy a warm space in the winter, there are groups for all ages, and they can support people with their health and wellbeing. There are a lot of tools out there for people to look after their own health conditions. People who are actively involved in their own care tend to have better outcomes which is good news for them and their loved ones,” he said.
For more information on Realistic Medicine, drop in and visit an Inverclyde library or visit: https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/being-a-partner-in-my-care-realistic-medicine-together/.
Resources to advise how you can share decision making with your health professional, such as the questions to ask at appointments can be found here: https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/its-ok-to-ask
Apple users can access the Realistic Medicine app here
Android users can access Realistic Medicine app here
