Consumer healthcare company Clinova has developed a new healthcare app which directs consumers to the pharmacy rather than the GP for common healthcare ailments.

Developed in consultation with a team of UK-based healthcare professionals, the free app asks the user to respond to a series of questions, then produces information and suggestions based on the answers selected. It works by using patent-pending software algorithms. These enable the app to provide information on minor ailments, alongside suggestions around self-care and advice on referral to a pharmacist, optician or doctor when necessary.

Matthew Thornes, a pharmacist who consulted on the project, commented: “Caidr marks a fantastic opportunity for community pharmacy and digital healthcare to meet. As the healthcare market evolves, Caidr offers a great tool for pharmacy to keep up, providing concise minor ailment information and recommendations to ensure the best outcome for patients whilst saving time for their doctors.”

Dr Tom Bracewell, Whittington Health VTS, who helped develop the app’s medical advice, said the tool will give thousands of patients the practical medical information and advice they need at their fingertips. “With our family doctors operating under unprecedented strain, there is a real need for us to innovate to help patients receive the advice they need more quickly and to help save time and costs for the NHS. The app utilises a wealth of knowledge from pharmacists on minor health symptoms and conditions that could be as effectively managed in the community with over-the-counter treatments, without the need to see your GP,” he explained.

“Pharmacists are the real experts in medicines, and can often better help patients with minor ailments in treating and alleviating their symptoms. Following last week’s advice from GP leaders for patients to take three simple steps before booking a GP appointment, Caidr is a great addition to the body of useful and accessible tools and advice out there to help.”

The app is available from the App Store and Google Play.