can anyone recommend some medical apps?

[ziehensack9]

I'm a nurse, working in Vienna so the language I use at work is German but my mother tongue is English.

Can anyone recommend a few good medical apps, like drug reference, medical dictionary etc.

Also any cardiology related apps would be great

[crzygrl]

Hey...I have had the same question asked to me so many times at school (I'm a grad student in nursing) that I set up my favorites on my web site.

http://www.homesickangel.net/PDA/Medical%20Programs.htm

Please excuse the typos! I really need to update this list!

Hope it helps and let me know what you think

[ziehensack9]

Thanks for the link. It looks very interesting. I'll let you know what i think after I've tried a few apps.

btw you don't know if it's possible to download or order on cd-rom nursing mock exams do you? I'm going back to work soon after a 2 year baby break and woould like to refresh my knowledge!

Thanks

[crzygrl]

congrats on the baby and going back to work! Try the pdacortex site. You may have to search around for a bit, but they should have something. If I run across anything else I will be sure to let you know!

[ak7774]

If you can afford it, you can't go wrong with skyscape applications (www.skyscape.com). They've got a lot of different essential healthcare books in palm and pocketpc format. Anything from 5 minute clinical consult to Stedman's dictionary to the Washington Manual. A bit pricey, though...

ak

[Shrink]

I like the SkyScape apps. I recently got tired of ePocrates arrogant tech support attitude and switched to an array of SkyScape apps, all of which are happy on my memory stick. I freed up a LOT of RAM by the move and am very happy with my personal reference suite. I now have 5MMC, Harrisons, Dr.Drugs, PDR, and iFacts. They all link together effortlessly.
alan:cool:

[ziehensack9]

crzygrl, do you have experience with the skyscape range of products? I've downloaded many trial versions but it's hard to make a decision about them with so much content locked.

I'm particulary interested in getting a lab and diagnostic tests app
with info on after care etc. What would you recommend, Skyscape or medical wizard?

[crzygrl]

ziehensack.....sorry about the VERY tardy reply on this.....

I really like Skyscape with the main reason being that all of the programs run on a very easy to use platform. Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with medical wizard (actually had never heard of it!) It has more anatomy information than any other's I have seen!

Some benefits of Skyscape looks to be the vast number of programs that are available. They seem to have some overlap in titles, but the Skyscape titles all "link" together.

Although the Skyscape stuff doesn't come unlocked, I think the biggest question will be whether or not you like the platform. A lot of the core information on the programs is available in hardcopy, so if you aren't really sure, you could just check out a book at a bookstore and see if you like the content!

Oh, I am not quite sure how in depth you want the aftercare information to be, but I use ABC Lab Data and have been quite happy. Unfortunately, the diagnostic stuff isn't included. If you find something good for that let me know 'cause I am also in need of a good program covering those topics!

[cktlcmd]

I have medical wizard programs: ER Suite, Ultimate Drug Guide, Netters Anatomy, and Laboratory Diagnosis. All works great on my UX. I believe their Drug Guide is way off better than Skyscapes drug guides, for I also have a bunch of them.

[nobody23]

Try www.docsboard.com

[jazzdoc]

I do like the SkyScape apps...a bunch of ESSENTIAL texts available for your Palm. I do use epocrates quite a bit daily. HandDBase has several useful templates available on their web site at www.ddhsoftware.com . I do billing on MDCoder. If you look on cnet.com you will also note several programs that are useful for tracking in as well as outpatients that would be useful in a clinic or office setting. Of course, with any PIM you can set up a category to track important phone numbers/consultants etc. HandDBase also allows you to create forms and databases that you customize to your needs. Shadow Plan at www.codejedi.com is excellent for outlining projects. Currently I have 2 clinical trials/research programs that have been designed utilizing that software on the PDA and its desktop counterpart. Some of the usefulness will certainly depend on how much memory you are using. I would reccomend a unit with an SD card or Memory Stick some of these programs are sizeable and can eat up your memory pretty quickly. Also JournalsToGo will allow you to sync and download updated abstracts from journals. MDConsult (www.mdconsult.com) also now has a interface for the handheld to do medline type searches. Good luck!

[LanMan]

Everyone in this thread seems very helpful. I hope that you don't mind if I ask a slightly O.T. question. I am not a medical professional. I am simply a dad that has a son with medical problems; most aren't yet diagnosed. I need to find a good program to track his healthcare appointments and test results with the dozen or so medical professionals that he is seeing. Would you be so kind as to recommend some program that may help a layman, that isn't familar with all the terms and jargon? I have looked at some programs like PatientTracker and PatientKeeper, but they seem too complex and there are many things in them that I don't understand. Thank you so much for your help!

[Michael Quach]

Everyone in this thread seems very helpful. I hope that you don't mind if I ask a slightly O.T. question. I am not a medical professional. I am simply a dad that has a son with medical problems; most aren't yet diagnosed. I need to find a good program to track his healthcare appointments and test results with the dozen or so medical professionals that he is seeing. Would you be so kind as to recommend some program that may help a layman, that isn't familar with all the terms and jargon? I have looked at some programs like PatientTracker and PatientKeeper, but they seem too complex and there are many things in them that I don't understand. Thank you so much for your help!

Hmmm.... I don't know of any programs that will do this. A good old manilla folder works pretty well, I think :)

If I run across something, I'll let you know...

[jazzdoc]

Medical Apps for tracking visits

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Greetings. I am an orthopaedic surgeon who utilizes the palm a great deal (Sony UX50) in his medical practice. Unfortunately most of the software written are not for patient use but below please find a few idea. I trust they are helpful or at least get you started!
Medical Visits Log

Description: An enhanced medical visits log database that is useful for casemanagers, parents, & anyone wanting or needing a rapid way of collecting comprehensive information about a medical visit, diagnostic test, consultation, etc..

Filters: By date, clinical specialty, reason for visit or complaint, Medications ordered, tests, aftercare instructions/follow-up, doctor/clinician, resulting diagnosis.
Sorting: As in the case of the filters, by date, clinical specialty, reason for visit or complaint, Medications ordered, tests, aftercare instructions/follow-up, doctor/clinician, resulting diagnosis.
This and others can be found at ddhsoftware.com in their free download section. Requires use of the HandDbase database. I use it a great deal in my practice for a myriad of applications.
http://www.ddhsoftware.com/gallery.html
Tommy Hakim [Send Author Email]
Homepage:
Description: I started this database for my family, and I thought I could share this db with everybody. This db keep track records of your visit to a doctor. For yourself and the family. It also has a medicine db, so you could keep track all the schedules. I hope you able to utilize this db so you don't have to worry about remembering what medicine the last time you took and whose the Doctor. Easy tabs that clicks back and forward between forms Let me know :-)
At Cnet you can find:
HealthFile Plus 3.0.3
http://www.download.com/HealthFile-...ml?tag=lst-0-25
HealthFile Plus is your complete health and personal medical records and information organization software. Keep track of insurance, emergency contacts, allergies, illnesses, surgeries, appointments, medications, vaccinations, tests, blood pressure, weight, glucose, family history. Great for people on diets, with diabetes, high blood pressure

Alternatively you can build a list with to do's/appts and data in a program like ShadowPlan www.codejedi.com that will link into the to do and appointment app on your handheld. I also use this mainly for project maintainence but it could easily be constructed for your type of use. Very powerful and very flexible.
__________________
Jazz is Democracy.
Have Fun I can Put You Back Together!

[crzygrl]

jazzdoc.....good advice with the apps......

BTW: love your signature "Have Fun I can Put You Back Together!" I skydive:) and knowing an ortho doc is always a good thing!

[jazzdoc]

jazzdoc.....good advice with the apps......

BTW: love your signature "Have Fun I can Put You Back Together!" I skydive:) and knowing an ortho doc is always a good thing!

Crzygrl. Skydiving...put together one of those. Great person. Jumped again.....8 weeks later...against advice....as expected...therefore put a couple extra screws (perhaps to replace the one's that were loose :-) ).
Do you use your ux50 in the day to day of nursing? No some very good ortho guys in Philly...let me know if you ever (hope not) crack a bone :-)!
KRA

[Me too]

Try www.docsboard.com
this is the correct URL
http://www.docsboard.com/forums/faq.php?faq=palm

[LanMan]

Thanks for the great reply, JazzDoc! I will certainly be looking into the options that you recommended.

[crzygrl]

Crzygrl. Skydiving...put together one of those. Great person. Jumped again.....8 weeks later...against advice....as expected...therefore put a couple extra screws (perhaps to replace the one's that were loose :-) ).
Do you use your ux50 in the day to day of nursing? No some very good ortho guys in Philly...let me know if you ever (hope not) crack a bone :-)!
KRA


8 Weeks? What a slacker! (jk!) You know the ol' saying...when you fall off the horse, ya gotta get right back on! Not that I have _ever_ done something so stupid! (8 jumps on a broken ankle)....... :D

As for your topical question.......I use my UX50 constantly. To be more specific, I actually use it more now that I am an NP but did use it a ton at the bedside as an RN as well. I am actually working on a project for the Acute Care Program I am from to implement PDAs into their curriculum.......

btw....know a good fix for a talocalcaneal coalition?? Just curious!

[jazzdoc]

8 Weeks? What a slacker! (jk!) You know the ol' saying...when you fall off the horse, ya gotta get right back on! Not that I have _ever_ done something so stupid! (8 jumps on a broken ankle)....... :D

As for your topical question.......I use my UX50 constantly. To be more specific, I actually use it more now that I am an NP but did use it a ton at the bedside as an RN as well. I am actually working on a project for the Acute Care Program I am from to implement PDAs into their curriculum.......

btw....know a good fix for a talocalcaneal coalition?? Just curious!

Please excuse me driving off topic but a talocalcaneal coaltion would be best served with a subtalar fusion unless it is a small coaltion and you can try to resect the bone...but generally in the adult population a subtalar fusion will be the most reliable treatment.

[cat_taylor]

Hmmm.... I don't know of any programs that will do this. A good old manilla folder works pretty well, I think :)

If I run across something, I'll let you know...

I really like HanDBase and creating my own little databases. I've created them to track my blood pressure, meds and hours for my bookkeeping clients. Learning curve isn't too bad, especially if you watch their VERY helpful video tutorials.

Cat

[IndyDave]

LexiComp can't be beat. I'm a pharmacist. It's my bizness. There are cheaper references for drugs but, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. ePocrates is good if you just need quick reference but for pharmkinetic properties, monitoring parameters, etc there aren't many alternatives that come close.

Perhaps not everyone needs it, but it is probably the most respected PDA drug title out there. If a pharmacist doesn't use it, it's because they're too cheap to fork over the bucks (NOT unreasonable...package deals work for me). My main complaint is a somewhat clunky interface for updating. But I can keep databases on a card so spare my RAM unlike ePocrates. Mine came packaged with 5MCC, Stedman's, Diagnostic medicine, natural meds, and others.

My main problem with Skyscape is their invasive SW for updating. It CAN be controlled but they don't make it easy or provide easy to find instructions on how to manually install. I want to control when and where updates are stored. Gave me fits until I figure out how to avoid smArtUpdate on downloading. And an uninstall of SW on you computer leaves files that reappear if you later install something different. Kind of like pulling a dandelion without getting all of the root. It just keeps popping up.

Just my opinions. I have bought hundreds of dollars of programs and demo'd everything I come across. Kinetics, lab tests,you name it. The one I use most consistently in my line of work is LexiComp. Best of luck finding what works for you.

[Michael Quach]

I agree, IndyDave... and please also note that ePocrates is notorious for having incorrect Peds doses.

Where do you work, btw? I'm originally from Indy :)

[cliemia]

Though I'd resurrect this old thread to see if anyone is still out there on this very quiet forum.

Does anyone here who uses ePocrates run the apps from Flash memory (JackFlash)? Does it work? I know the databases won't, but I wasn't sure about the apps.

I use several of the apps already listed. I also find myself frequently using STAT growth-BP, Shots 2004, occasionally use MedCalc and MedRules and PregWheel. A couple of apps I just recently discovered are Journal Club (lets you calculate all the stats used in appraising articles, and has some definitions), and Appraising and Applying Medical Info, which nicely walks you through the process indicated by the title for a variety of different articles and studies.