What's New

November 24, 2003

 
Roche Sponsors ePocrates Rx Pro

Although any drug company can provide clinicians with complimentary copies of ePocrates Rx Pro, Roche is the first company I've seen make it available online. Click here for more info.
posted by Kent 9:49 PM | |

 
PDxMD Updated, Renamed

Elsevier has released an enhanced version of PDxMD, its flagship automated clinical reference guide for use at the point of care. The application can be used on desktop PCs or handhelds.

The software, now called FIRSTConsult, features best practice recommendations for evaluation, diagnosis, patient education and management, and disease prevention. The evidence-based, peer-reviewed information is updated weekly, highlighting new therapeutic advances.

FIRSTConsult also offers integration and links between the application and MD Consult Clinical Knowledge System, another automated medical reference guide from Elsevier. The publisher plans to enhance this application's wireless features and search capabilities for use on PDAs.
posted by Kent 9:40 PM | |

 
Service Helps Integrate Formularies

ePocrates is offering a new service to help health care organizations integrate their formulary information with the company's clinical and drug reference applications. The new service is designed to enable providers to create a single, comprehensive drug database by combining formulary information with the vendor's Rx Online clinical and AHFS Drug Information applications.

The software that comes with the service can be used on PDAs or in a Web-enabled version on PCs. The service is the result of a partnership announced earlier this year between ePocrates and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, Md.

The formulary integration service also offers checks for drug interactions, adverse effects and therapeutic substitutes. Additionally, it can help increase operational efficiency and patient safety by simplifying the formulary management process, ePocrates executives say.
posted by Kent 9:36 PM | |

 
Dermpath Companion

Dr. Matthew Fleming, an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, recently wrote to tell me about a program he has developed to facilitate communications between a clinical lab (in his case, a dermatopathology lab) and practitioners. Click here for an overview of the software, or here for a slideshow demonstrating how the software works on the Palm OS.
posted by Kent 9:31 PM | |

 
NEJM PDA Services

PDA users can now get the Journal's latest full-text articles or complete issues, abstracts, editors' summaries, and table of contents. Click here for more info.
posted by Kent 9:29 PM | |

November 23, 2003

 
On the Couch with Dr. Luo

Tools for psychiatrists are not limited to the couch. Today's psychiatrist needs to stay on top of ever-changing medical info. Dr. John Luo shares how a handheld can help in this article on the PalmOne site.
posted by Kent 5:00 PM | |

November 21, 2003

 
Is Microsoft Still Committed to the Pocket PC?

From Gizmodo:

"During the recent Microsoft Professional Developers Conference, a panel discussion was held on ways to advance mobile computing. When an attendee asked what the future of Pocket PC was, a Microsoft employee answered "None." While the other Microsoft employees on the panel backed off that stark statement, it was clear that they believed there wasn't much room between Tablet PCs and smart phones."

Click here to read the complete article on Brighthand.
posted by Kent 12:21 PM | |

November 20, 2003

 
Checklist in Internal Medicine

Here's a new title from PocketMedicine. Written by Daniel R. Frisch, MD and several colleagues at Harvard's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Checklist in Internal Medicine captures the essentials of the disease to assist clinicians with differential diagnosis, appropriate initial diagnostic studies and therapeutic measures.
posted by Kent 10:31 PM | |

 
Look Like A Genius At Journal Club

Timothy Allen's freeware Journal Club application calculates common statistics and defines common statistical terms to help readers evaluate journal articles. This would've been great to have when I was a resident!


posted by Kent 8:46 AM | |

November 11, 2003

 
App Lets Macs Share the 'Net with Handhelds

A new utility for Macs and Palm OS handhelds that allows users to easily share an internet connection with their handheld and also finally brings AvantGo support to the Mac OS. The app allows the handheld to access the internet via a pass-through USB connection.

Missing Sync for Internet Sharing and AvantGo (say that ten times fast!) enables users to share their Mac's Internet connection with their handheld through a USB cable. Users can then synchronize AvantGo content, download e-mail from a POP3 or IMAP server, and browse the Web with a favorite Palm OS Web browser.

Missing Sync for Internet Sharing and AvantGo supports a wide range of Palm OS handhelds from Sony, Palm, Handspring, and others. A complete list of supported handhelds is available.

The application requires a compatible handheld, Mac OS 10.2 or higher, Internet access and a USB cradle or cable, it is also compatible with Panther. It sells for $19.95.
posted by Kent 5:56 PM | |

 
For F.P.'s Only

The AAFP is developing a new question-and-answer program for the PDA! The new program, tentatively titled "Q&A for PDA", will help you keep your knowledge up-to-date and hone your test-taking skills by working through a set of questions, reviewing a complete answer to each question as you go.

You can participate in the program development by following four easy steps:
1. Download the PDA application and preview modules at: http://www.rxpalm.com/pcme/
2. Install the files on your Palm OS PDA.
3. Complete the questions and answers within the preview modules.
4. After completing the modules, please complete the online survey; it has only 12 questions. This is where you will help the AAFP make decisions about the final version of the program! To complete the survey, click here.
posted by Kent 5:09 PM | |

November 9, 2003

 
DrFirst

Utilizing the latest advancements in Internet, security, wireless, and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) technology, DrFirst provides a suite of integrated, affordable, intuitive, and easily implemented products and services to the healthcare community. These comprehensive solutions solve critical communication, business productivity, and clinical needs of physicians, clinics, hospitals, and health systems. DrFirst delivers its products on both an Application Service Provider (ASP) and Distributive Solutions Provider (DSP) basis to provide the maximum flexibility to fulfill the diverse needs of healthcare providers. The backbone of DrFirst's products and services is its Secure Messaging Exchange (SMX) network, which permits secure messaging and transfer of information between users. Through this platform, DrFirst offers a practice management solution that includes automated billing, electronic claims submission and scheduling; a state-of-the-art electronic medical records application; and a complementary suite of integrated products that includes a fully integrated web and PDA-based electronic prescription writing, charge capture, and secure e-mail.
posted by Kent 8:35 PM | |

November 7, 2003

 
Spanish-English Dictionary from Skyscape

Skyscape recently announced English & Spanish Medical Words & Phrases. This handy, instant-access PDA reference is a must-have for any health care professional who cares for Spanish-speaking patients. It presents English and Spanish translations of all medical terms and phrases used in clinician-patient interactions. Coverage includes patient teaching, hospital admission and discharge planning, diagnostic tests, therapeutic procedures, history and physical examination, body systems assessment, medical equipment and supplies, nutrition and diet therapy, medication teaching, home care, and complementary and alternative therapies.
posted by Kent 9:45 PM | |

November 6, 2003

 
PubMed Web Site For Handheld Computers

The National Library of Medicine’s Dr. Paul Fontelo has designed a Web site to access PubMed’s database. It is optimized for small screens, and works well on the Web browsers of most handheld computers, including Palm OS devices. Visit Handhelds for Doctors to learn more.
posted by Kent 6:38 PM | |

November 4, 2003

 
Skyscape and Elsevier Join Forces

Skyscape has partnered with Amsterdam-based Reed Elsevier Group to offer hand-held versions of Elsevier's medical references. The first applications that will be released include "The Harriet Lane Handbook," "The Osler Medical Handbook," "Pocket Essentials of Clinical Medicine," "Pain Management Secrets," "Ferri's Clinical Advisor," and "Mosby's Medical Drug Reference." Skyscape will offer additional applications based on other Reed Elsevier Group titles in the future.
posted by Kent 10:00 PM | |

 
Need Help Choosing A PDA?

Dalhousie University's site is chock full of information that will help you decide which PDA to buy, along with mini-reviews of the top medical software. Also included is the mandatory "Palm vs. Pocket PC" section, although it appears that the folks at Dalhousie have settled on the Palm OS (those of you looking for an unbiased comparison should probably look elsewhere.)
posted by Kent 8:18 AM | |

 
Guide to Guidelines for Your PDA

You'll find a wide variety of Practice Guidelines for your PDA linked from the National Guideline Clearinghouse Web site. Included are guidelines from the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
posted by Kent 12:20 AM | |

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