Oxford University spin-out company Minervationhas developed the Mental Elf iPhone app, which provides users a daily update of mental health research, policy and guidance.

It builds on the Mental Elf web site launched a year ago and used by doctors, nurses and other professionals.

“Health and social care professionals have so little time to read new research and guidance, it’s vital that systems are user-friendly and just focused on the really good quality information,” said Minervation managing director André Tomlin. “We do all the hard work, finding the evidence and bringing it to you in an accessible and engaging format. All it takes is three minutes of your day to read an article and learn something new.”

The Mental Elf iPhone app is on sale in the Apple Store. An Android app will be available later this year.

The company said more apps and web sites are in the pipeline featuring other National Elf Service topics, including diabetes, women’s health and musculoskeletal issues.