Capita Healthcare Decisions has developed a digital tool to facilitate the care of people potentially affected by the Ebola virus.

This new Ebola tool will sit within Capita Healthcare Decisions’ internationally renowned clinical content, enabling patients, their relatives and clinicians to check symptoms against clinically robust criteria.

The Ebola tool has been developed to give people the reassurance and advice they need when travelling or working in areas affected by the Ebola virus, and to help prevent the ongoing spread of the virus.

It comes in several versions, for use by clinicians, insurers, charities, border staff and the public. One version complements the well-established existing information for nurse led telephone triage utilised by health organisations and governments across the world to assess over 85 million patients.

The tool can also be used by patients to check their own symptoms, or the symptoms of someone they are concerned about. Supporting patients’ self-care avoids medical facilities becoming overwhelmed, and means people potentially infected with the Ebola virus can be treated in a way which minimises the risk of cross-infection.

Healthline255, an Accra based medical call centre set up by Vodafone Ghana Foundation and run by Vantage Medical Solutions (VMS), have received the new content.

Dr Byrite Asamoah, CEO and Clinical Director of VMS, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Capita Healthcare Decisions in assisting us in the control of Ebola, and giving our staff the trusted clinical decision support that they need when assessing patients. It is essential that people with suspected symptoms of the virus are reassured and directed to the appropriate care quickly and efficiently, which Capita’s software helps us achieve.

“Cross infection within the population and the pressure on medical services is a huge concern at this time, so to enable our staff to triage patients consistently and safely is invaluable. Together we will make a real impact in controlling the spread of this disease.”

Dr Charles Young, chief medical officer at Capita Healthcare Decisions, said: “The agility of our software and our clinical expertise means that we can react efficiently to developing healthcare concerns and ensure that clinicians are able to offer the most up-to-date guidance available.

“Our new Ebola tool ensures that people who believe they have symptoms of the Ebola virus are given the most appropriate advice as quickly as possible, reducing the burden on healthcare facilities and improving the clinical assessment process.”

more about capita