Techforce19 fund launched

NHSX is calling on all innovators who can support the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating during COVID-19 to apply for government funding of up to £25,000 to test their solution.

It believes new technologies can help support the vulnerable, elderly and self-isolating as COVID-19 continues to spread. 

Within this challenge, NHSX particularly looking for innovators able to support in the following areas: 

  • Remote social care
  • Optimising staffing in care and volunteering sectors
  • Mental health

The competition is aimed at helping in the community and not projects trying to solve clinical problems or that require integration with NHS systems.

For more information and to apply, click on link below.

Techforce19

COVID Symptom Tracker launched

People are being asked to self-report using a new COVID Symptom Tracker to help slow the outbreak and identify those at risk sooner.

Using a mobile app, people can report their symptoms once a day, even if they are well.

It is hoped the data will help scientists identify high-risk areas in the UK, who is most at risk and how fast the virus is spreading.

The tracker is a joint project by organisations including NIHR, ZOE, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' Biomedical Research Centre.

COVID Symptom Tracker

Government guidelines – Easy Read version

Easy Read has produced an easy-read version of the government's advice on staying at home and away from others.

The advice is free to use, available in print and online formats and is suitable for those with learning difficulties or who would prefer easy-read versions of information.

Easy Read advice is also available on self isolating.

Both are available to download by clicking on the link below.

Easy Read

COVID-19 online resources

CHAIN has published a list of potentially useful online COVID-19 resources suggested by its members.

The list includes links to evidence, best practice and guidance resources.

CHAIN

Guide to video consultations

The British Journal of General Practice has published a guide on using video for clinical consultations.

Produced by researchers at the University of Oxford, the document covers five key topics: 

  • When are video consultations appropriate?
  • How can a practice get ready for them?
  • How can clinicians conduct high-quality video consultations?
  • What can patients do to prepare for and take part in them?
  • What is the research evidence for their quality and safety?

British Journal of General Practice

Study: Video consultations are viable alternative during social distancing

Patients and general practice staff are receptive to greater use of video consultations, however concerns about accessibility and technical challenges have been an obstacle to the technology being widely adopted, a University of Warwick study has found.

The new research from Warwick Medical School suggests video consultations with GPs are a viable means for maintaining continuity of care for at-risk groups.

The research, conducted before the outbreak of COVID-19 and published in BJGP Open, explored both patients' and clinicians' experiences of video consultations in primary care. 

University of Warwick

New guide to staying safe when buying medicines online

UK health organisations have launched a new guide to help people make sure medicines or treatment they get online are safe and right for them.

The guide includes six top tips for anyone going online for medicines or treatment:

  • Check if the online healthcare service and healthcare professionals working there are registered with UK regulators.
  • Ask questions about how the service works.
  • Answer questions honestly about your health and medical history.
  • Find out your options for treatment and how to take any medicines you’re prescribed.
  • Expect to be asked for consent for information to be shared with other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
  • Check what after-care you will receive.

General Pharmaceutical Council

#EveryDayCounts campaign

NCVO is asking charities to get in touch with their experiences of financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is compiling information as part of its campaign to get financial support for charities during the outbreak.

You can help make the financial case for charities by:

  • Emailing [javascript protected email address]
  • Sharing this Tweet
  • Sharing your charity's story on social media using #EveryDayCounts
  • Asking your local MP to support

More information on coronavirus and charity funding is available by clicking on the link below.

NCVO

Scottish third-sector resilience fund now open

A £20m emergency fund has been launched for charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations working in Scotland.

The Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF) will support organisations that already deliver services and products but find themselves in financial difficulties directly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Its primary intention is to help third sector organisations stabilise and manage cash flows over this difficult period.

The fund will provide grants between £5,000 and £100,000 and up to a further £5m available in fully flexible, 0% interest loans starting at £50,000. 

For more information and eligibility criteria click on the link below.

ALLIANCE Scotland

Coronavirus Awareness​ course

Skills for Health is providing a free online resource for those working in the public sector, particularly key workers, to learn about COVID-19. 

The resource brings together advice, guidance and information about the disease. It includes:

  • Introduction
  • What is Coronavirus?
  • Infection prevention
  • Investigating possible cases
  • Treating inpatients
  • Exposure
  • Summary

To register, click on the link below.

Skills for Health

COVID-19: Tackling the Novel Coronavirus

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and UK Public Health Rapid Support Team have launched a free three-week course on understanding and responding to COVID-19.

The course includes presentations by international experts and covers public health measures worldwide and what is needed to address COVID-19 going forward.

For more information and to register, click on the link below.

Future Learn