Issue:
- Unable to download apps through App store – NHS guidelines suggest only apps with a CE mark can be used in practice. [Some trusts enforce this – others don’t]
Possible solutions:
- Access app store through the healthcare provider’s corporate account & VPP account
- Ask whether your IT department use Push/pull or MDM (mobile device management) solutions which your service can tap into
- Complete an incident/datix report stating that it wasn’t possible to provide appropriate therapy or AAC system due to prevented access
- Make a risk management complaint stating that the patient is at risk of isolation & depression without access to a particular app
- Request exceptional allowances from IT
- Argue that the app is used under clinical supervision and following advice and collaboration with peers nationwide (e.g. members of CitCen have recommended it)
- Documents from the Royal College of Physicians and NHS app development guidelines (see page 25) give information describing what types of apps may not require a CE mark
[Note: Step-by-step is the only therapy software we have come across which has a CE certificate]
CIT CEN Toolkit 