What's New

February 29, 2004

 
Oh, Grow Up

ABase is a tool for the rapid assessment of anthropometric measurements using handheld computers. Dr. Andreas Zankl has developed a pediatrics program that utilizes reference curves for height, weight, and head circumference, along with several other measurements such as hand length, middle finger length, foot length, external ear dimensions, inner and outer canthal distance, and more. See how you measure up!


posted by Kent 8:24 PM | |

 
New Medical Discussion Forum

Not that we really needed another one, but here's a new medical discussion forum covering several topics, including PDAs. Visit www.docsboard.com and check it out.
posted by Kent 5:30 PM | |

February 28, 2004

 
ePocrates Dx Mini-Review

Dr. Rod Story has posted the first mini-review of ePocrates Dx on pdaMD.com. He doesn't go into a lot of detail, but his overall impression is positive.

I'm still waiting for the Mac version!
posted by Kent 9:17 AM | |

February 27, 2004

 
PDA Benefits Realized Quickly

Gibbsboro, N.J.-based Virtua Health didn't have to wait long to get results from its recent PDA pilot study. After only a month, a control group of 20 physicians saw enough benefits to using PDAs to access clinical information that the delivery system decided to offer the technology to all of its physicians beginning in March, said Vice President and CIO Linda Reed.

"Our physicians always say when we 'do something' to them, it slows them down," she said in an interview with Mobile Health Data and Health Data Management Feb. 25 at the 2004 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Conference & Exhibition. "So we wanted to give them a technology they could perceive as 'for' them, not 'to' them."

For the study, Virtua Health used software from Durham, N.C.-based MercuryMD Inc. to enable PDA access to clinical data such as patient lists, lab results, orders, radiology results, medication lists and demographics. It required physicians in the study to purchase their own PDAs.

Within a month, physicians were saving about 30 minutes a day using the PDAs to access the clinical data at the point of care, Reed said. Physicians currently are synching their PDAs to gather the data. Virtua Health will enable real-time access to the data from PDAs later this year after it completes implementation of an enterprisewide wireless local area network.

Source: Mobile Health Data
posted by Kent 11:25 PM | |

February 26, 2004

 
ePocrates Launches ePocrates Dx

ePocrates Dx is ePocrates' new, regularly updated disease diagnosis and treatment reference, designed to help you save time and improve patient care every day.

Powered by Griffith’s 5-Minute Clinical Consult, ePocrates Dx will enable you to quickly and easily access comprehensive information on over 1,200 diseases and conditions:

• Description
  
• Signs and symptoms
  
• Diagnosis
  
• Causes
  
• Surgical and medical treatments
  
• Medications (integrated with ePocrates Rx and ePocrates Rx Pro!)
  
• ICD-9-CM codes

ePocrates Dx includes many valuable features that set it apart from other disease reference programs:

• Regularly updated!
  
• Integrated with ePocrates Rx™ and ePocrates Rx Pro™
  
• Designed to be as easy to use as ePocrates Rx and ePocrates Rx Pro
  
• Streamlined to take up less memory on your PDA

ePocrates Dx is compatible with Palm OS handheld devices synchronized with Windows computers. It requires 3.0 MB of memory.
posted by Kent 1:10 PM | |

 
ePocrates Launches New Version of Rx Pro

ePocrates Rx Pro 6.51 is the newest premium drug and formulary reference from ePocrates. It helps you save time and improve patient care by supplying your Palm OS device with a more robust version of ePocrates Rx 6.51. ePocrates Rx Pro 6.51 includes more of the most up-to-date, concise and clinically-relevant information available, with all the features in ePocrates Rx 6.51 PLUS:

• Over 400 alternative medicine monographs and interactions
  
• Over 50 clinical tables and treatment guidelines
  
• ePocrates ID® infectious disease guide
  
• MedMath clinical calculator
  
• Integrated weight based dosing calculator
  
• Free phone support

ePocrates Rx Pro 6.51 is compatible with Palm OS devices synchronized with Windows computers. It requires 3.0 MB of memory. Versions for Pocket PC devices or Palm OS devices synchronized with Macintosh computers are currently unavailable.
posted by Kent 1:06 PM | |

February 25, 2004

 
MercuryMD and ePocrates to Integrate Apps

MercuryMD and ePocrates will integrate their PDA-based applications. Announced at the 2004 Annual Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Conference & Exhibition, the agreement is designed to more quickly offer medical references to physicians at the point of care.

The vendors have enabled the ePocrates Rx and ePocrates RxPro PDA-based drug reference applications to be launched directly from a patient's medication list via MercuryMD's MData mobile enterprise system. MercuryMD also will promote the ePocrates Rx +AHFS DI, according to the agreement. ePocrates co-developed this Web-based integrated clinical reference and formulary application with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. It's designed to enable hospitals to integrate their formulary information with the ePocrates Rx Online application and the AHFS Drug Information system to create a single drug database.

Source: Mobile Health Data
posted by Kent 11:03 PM | |

 
PDAs Improve Doc Communication

An internal study by MedStar Health has revealed that PDAs can help physicians better communicate with other caregivers. The Columbia, Md.-based integrated delivery system has enabled its physicians to use PDAs for medical references since 1998. In 2000, the provider began testing physician PDA use on a more interactive level.

The delivery system's Good Samaritan Hospital was plagued with unpredictable information transferred among physicians at the end of shift changes. To bring clarity to the information and the process, the Baltimore-based facility began offering PDA-based sign out forms for caregivers to complete when they end their shifts. By the end of the study phase, most physicians concluded they preferred to complete and receive the new sign out forms, said John Hong, M.D., program director of internal medicine residency at MedStar Health. Further, the PDA-based surveys often were more complete than the previous written forms, he added.

"Our hand-held electronic sign out system clearly improved the quality of information exchange among physicians," Hong said Feb. 25 at the 2004 HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Fla. He led the "PDA Healthcare: The Whole World in Your Palm" educational session. "Physicians found the PDA application to be useful, though it required them to enter a lot of information, which led to a few transcribing errors."

MedStar Health has since co-developed an application to enable the automatic transfer of patient chart data from its electronic medical records system--from Malvern, Pa.-based Siemens Medical Solutions Health Services Corp.--to physicians' PDAs. This, in turn, has greatly reduced the amount of data entry physicians must perform.

"We wanted to make using PDAs as easy as possible for our physicians," Hong added.

Source: Mobile Health Data
posted by Kent 5:20 PM | |

February 24, 2004

 
palmOne and Sprint Unite

palmOne and Sprint intend to develop mobile enterprise applications for health care. The PDA maker and networking giant made the announcement at the 2004 HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.

According to the agreement, the companies will combine: the secure and high-speed data capabilities of the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network; the PCS Vision Smart Device Treo 600, a smartphone from palmOne; and a portfolio of third-party applications. The companies will market the solutions to mobilize various health care processes. Sprint and palmOne first will offer applications to mobilize patient records.

Source: Mobile Health Data
posted by Kent 6:46 PM | |

February 23, 2004

 
Total Recall

Skyscape's new Recall Series reviews disease entities to facilitate retention and mimic verbal testing covered in a third- or fourth-year medical school clerkship. Its unique question-and-answer format includes descriptions, signs, symptoms, pathophysiology essentials, treatments and possible outcomes. The easy-access PDA format is ideal for clinical rotations.

Available titles in the series include MedRecall (internal medicine), PedsRecall, and SurgRecall.
posted by Kent 5:06 PM | |

February 22, 2004

 
Palm OS Drug Databases Reviewed

A BrightHand visitor posting as "wardco" has submitted a nice, succinct review of several popular drug reference applications on the BrightHand discussion board here. He reviews LexiDrugs, PEPID, ePocrates, Mobile MicroMedix, A-Z Drug Facts, Dr. Drugs, and others. Nice job!
posted by Kent 11:18 AM | |

February 21, 2004

 
Clinical Evidence with Auto-Updates

Clinical Evidence, produced by the BMJ Publishing Group, provides a concise account of the current state of evidence on the prevention and treatment of a wide range of clinical conditions.

Via CogniQ—Unbound Medicine's handheld-Web knowledge management platform—Clinical Evidence is delivered to the point of need, enabling healthcare professionals to view a concise version of the content on the handheld, request full text for content of interest, and capture questions as they arise. When you HotSync, requests and searches are sent to your personal library on the Web where you can link to the full text of Clinical Evidence topics as well as perform powerful searches of Unbound MEDLINE.
posted by Kent 10:40 AM | |

February 20, 2004

 
STAT!Ref Releases PDA Tools

Teton Data Systems (TDS) recently announced the release of STAT!Ref PDA with the Physicians’ Information and Education Resource (PIER) as its first resource for handheld computers.

PIER, a clinical guidance tool from the American College of Physicians, includes sections on diagnosis, prevention, screening, drug therapy, patient education and case scenarios. Topics are supported with tables and references to Web sites for supporting articles in the Annals of Internal Medicine and PubMed.

PIER is available as a stand-alone PDA product for $99, or $299 for users who want both the PDA version and the online subscription.
posted by Kent 9:47 PM | |

February 19, 2004

 
PatientKeeper Gets Vocal

Vangard Voice Systems has integrated its AccuSpeech speaker-independent speech recognition technology into PatientKeeper. The integration is designed to enable physicians to utilize PatientKeeper while keeping their hands and eyes focused on clinical tasks.

Source: Mobile Health Data
posted by Kent 7:50 PM | |

February 18, 2004

 
Reviews of PDA Apps in Toxicology and Environmental Health

PDAs are increasingly being used in the fields of toxicology and environmental health. Moreover, software applications covering specialized subject matter in these fields are increasingly being made available to PDA users.

In an effort to provide information on the main technical and content features of selected applications, the National Library of Medicine's Division of Specialized Information Services (SIS) has undertaken an ongoing review of them. Individual reports in the review series are usually based on free, downloadable demos.

Each individual review typically covers the following topics: General Information, Intended Users, Authorship/Data Source, Contents, Navigation, Requirements, Application Type/Price, Availability, Useful Web Links, and Updates.
posted by Kent 8:22 AM | |

February 17, 2004

 
Davis's Drug Guide with Auto-Updates

Davis's Drug Guide, the best-selling drug reference produced by F.A. Davis, is now delivered via Unbound Medicine's award-winning handheld platform. This comprehensive and up-to-date resource provides need-to-know information on thousand of brand name and generic drugs.

Via Unbound Medicine's CogniQ platform, this leading drug reference will stay up to date simply by synchronizing your handheld. There is no need to download large installer files and re-install the entire application, as is required by other products. Instead, only new or changed medications will be sent to you quarterly, and they will be downloaded automatically the moment they become available!


posted by Kent 5:31 PM | |

 
MercuryMD Adds Clinical Apps

MercuryMD's new Mobile Patient Management Suite is built to work with the vendor's MData mobile software to give physicians better access to patient data via PDAs. The suite includes:

• QuickCharge, an application designed to enable physicians to capture procedure and diagnosis codes on PDAs during a patient encounter. The software then transmits the codes to an organization's other information systems via a link with a secure Web portal.
  
  
• Mobile Dictation, an application enabling physicians to dictate patient notes on their PDAs.
  
  
• ActivOrders, an application designed to enable physicians to review active orders, confirm pending orders, reorder labs and electronically sign off on transcribed reports from their PDAs.
  
  
• SmartCare, an application for identifying better identify an organization's high-risk patients.
  
  
• MData Desktop, a Web-based extension of MData that is will help group practice physicians to access their hospitalized patients' data via Tablet PCs or desktop PCs.

Source: Mobile Health Data
posted by Kent 5:24 PM | |

February 16, 2004

 
Special Offer from PocketMedicine.com

For a limited time, you can obtain PocketMedicine.com's all-original content programs for PDAs...FREE (a charge of $10.00 per program ordered for registration and customer support will apply).

PocketMedicine.com has outstanding programs prepared expressly for PDAs by leading authorities in Internal Medicine and its subspecialties: Pediatrics; Maternal-Fetal Medicine; General Surgery; Anesthesiology; Orthopaedics; and more. Their highly regarded Treatment Strategies programs are also included in this special limited-time offer.

Just visit their Web site at www.pocketmedicine.com where you can order any of their programs. Be sure to enter the Coupon Code TR4582 at checkout to obtain this special offer. And a free Trial Demo will still be available, so you can judge for yourself in advance just how good the programs are. Act now! Offer expires 5/15/04.

Fine print: This offer is valid until May 15, 2004, and cannot be combined with any other offer; does not apply to specialty "Bundles" on their Web site; and is valid only in the USA. PocketMedicine.com, Inc. reserves the right to withdraw this offer without notice. Offer valid only from PocketMedicine.com, Inc.
posted by Kent 5:41 PM | |

February 15, 2004

 
Echocardiography Reference

There weren't any handheld references for echocardiography, so Dr. Lempira Guevara decided to write one. You can download a demo version from PalmGear. Requires iSilo.


posted by Kent 9:06 AM | |

 
The Pulse of Healthcare is Wireless

Here's an article by Skyscape's Sandeep Shah discussing future possibilities for handheld technology in the hospital setting.
posted by Kent 9:03 AM | |

February 14, 2004

 
Put the Heart in Your Hand

In celebration of Valentine's Day, here are a trio of cardiology references worth checking out.

Skyscape's Washington Manual Cardiology Subspecialty Consult is a pragmatic guide to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular disease. It covers symptoms and diseases, inpatient and outpatient approaches, and acute and chronic problems. Reflecting today's emphasis on evidence-based medicine, these practical approaches are clearly supported by clinical investigations.

Redi-Reference's Cardiology eText is a concise yet complete eTextbook of standard diagnosis and treatment recommendations for cardiovascular disease. A full desktop version is included at no additional cost.

Finally, Carl Weber's Clinical Cardiology 2004 includes tons of detailed work-ups, treatments, differential diagnoses, pearls, illustrations, references....everything you ever needed to know about cardiology in an easy to read and navigate format. Edited by multiple cardiologists. The perfect text for internists, family physicians, urgent care, residents, students.
posted by Kent 9:58 AM | |

February 13, 2004

 
Medical Remote Network
 
Medical Remote Network (MRN), from MedicTouch, is a software solution for Palm Powered devices that manages medical evacuations and opens lines of communications at disaster sites. The core application is a PDA-based patient electronic medical record, and acts as a paperless, wireless, on-line system for managing medical evacuations, and the transmission of medical data and patient status.

According to MedicTouch Founder and Medical Director, Dr Eran Schenker, the MedicTouch MRN system for Palm OS was designed based on the specific lessons learned from the 9/11-terror attack, the most important of which was "improve communications, it's a matter of life and death".
posted by Kent 10:49 AM | |

February 12, 2004

 
HealthRamp CarePoint

HealthRamp CarePoint is a software application that increases speed, accuracy, safety, and convenience for medical professionals. Using a PDA, a Smartphone, or a Web browser, medical professionals can perform their duties efficiently, with ease.

The electronic prescribing function of CarePoint allows you to:

• Reduce calls from pharmacies requesting patient data verification
  
• Avoid complications due to illegible handwriting
  
• Avert adverse drug interactions
  
• Access a frequently updated drug reference guide
  
• Access patient-specific formulary information

You can try HealthRamp CarePoint free of charge for 90 days, after which you can continue using it for a monthly fee of $39.95. Not too bad, provided it improves your efficiency as they claim it can. I'm still skeptical about e-prescribing solutions in general, but this one might be worth checking out.


posted by Kent 6:36 PM | |

 
palmOne Healthcare Information Series

Register for the palmOne Healthcare Information Series to keep up with the latest in mobile handheld solutions from palmOne in healthcare. Once registered, you will receive periodic communications, such as white papers, product updates, exclusive offers and invitations to special events, geared towards meeting all your mobility needs with palmOne mobile solutions. Click here to register.
posted by Kent 6:30 PM | |

 
Netter’s Anatomy Flash Cards

Netter’s Anatomy Flash Cards is the first product of its kind and contains over 350 high resolution anatomy images, covering all body areas. This is a wonderful tool for both the experienced healthcare provider and student alike. Must be seen to be appreciated (the web site contains screenshots from the PPC version, but I couldn't find any of the Palm OS version).

Also, Medical Wizards makes the "nice list" for supporting the Mac. Thanks, guys!
posted by Kent 9:53 AM | |

February 11, 2004

 
PalmSource Drops Mac Synchronization in Cobalt

At its annual developer conference, PalmSource announced that Palm OS Cobalt will no longer offer synchronization with the Mac OS. PalmSource claims to have made the decision due to changes in the HotSync architecture and how the new Personal Information Manager (PIM) applications work, to more closely align with Microsoft Outlook, and to use a new SQL-like database format.

A third party, Mark/Space, has pledged to make a version of their Missing Sync client for Cobalt, which will enable users to connect and synchronize information between Palm OS Cobalt devices and Macs running Mac OS X via USB, network, WiFi or Bluetooth.

Missing Sync for Palm OS Cobalt will include synchronization support enabling users to synchronize iCal calendar events, to-do items, and Mac OS X Address Book contact information. It will also work with existing Palm OS conduits written for Mac OS X, providing synchronization support for other Mac applications currently synchronized by users (such as Pocket Quicken, FileMaker, Entourage, Meeting Maker, etc.). Users of non-wireless devices will benefit from the ability to tie into their Mac's Internet connection, taking full advantage of email download and Web browsing capabilities. Missing Sync for Palm OS also supports AvantGo synchronization, resulting in quick downloads of news, weather, sports, stock quotes, maps, and movie listings, among others.



Source: PalmInfocenter
posted by Kent 6:26 PM | |

February 10, 2004

 
A Rose By Any Other Name

PalmSource is changing the name of Palm OS 6 to Palm OS Cobalt, and is also developing an enhanced version of Palm OS 5 to be called Palm OS Garnet. The idea is that both OSes will continue to be developed, with Palm OS Garnet aimed at lower-end smartphones.

So now we'll have a PalmOne Tungsten G (or whatever) running Palm OS Cobalt...? Somebody stop them!
posted by Kent 5:18 PM | |

 
New PDAs from Sony

Sony has released three new CLIÉ models in the U.S. The PEG-TJ27 is priced at $200 and includes a digital camera. The PEG-TJ37 adds integrated WiFi for $300. And the PEG-TH55 features WiFi and a large 320x480-pixel screen for $400. Details and photos here.

The only thing worse than PalmSource's new OS naming scheme is Sony's CLIÉ naming scheme. What were they thinking?
posted by Kent 5:16 PM | |

February 9, 2004

 
Skyscape to the Rescue

Skyscape has introduced six new PDA references for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and other first responders. New titles from Pearson Prentice Hall and Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins are designed to provide information for emergency medical personnel in a wide variety of situations, including communicable disease treatment guidelines and terrorism response. Group licensing is available for HAZMAT/DMAT teams and homeland security personnel.

Communicable Diseases and Infection Control for EMS: This handheld resource provides information on bloodborne and airborne illnesses that may be encountered on the job, and details the personal protective measures that can be taken to avoid infection.

Pocket Reference for EMTs and Paramedics, 2nd Edition: This reference provides easy access to the vital emergency information needed by pre-hospital personnel.

Pocket Emergency Medicine for PDA: Users can quickly search an alphabetical list of 57 chief complaints or a listing of head-to-toe traumatic injuries, pediatric emergencies, or environmental exposures and get history, typical findings, critical studies, and ED interventions.

Pocket Reference for the EMT-B and First Responder, 2nd Edition: Written specifically for EMT-Bs and First Responders, this software complements all Brady First Responder and EMT-Basic references, and includes skills sequences taken from Brady's best-seller, Emergency Care Student Workbook 9/E.

Terrorism Response: Field Guide for Fire & EMS Organizations: This includes information on chemical, biological, and radiological terrorism, explosives, cyber-terrorism as well as response procedures and decontamination.

Weapons of Mass Destruction: Emergency Care: Written by EMS providers for EMS providers, this is a comprehensive, up-to-date treatment of a rapidly emerging field.

Too bad they didn't have these available back when I was an EMT!
posted by Kent 5:39 PM | |

February 8, 2004

 
Mac Marginalization

Some of you may have figured out that I use a Macintosh. Now, I'm not into Apple as a religion or anything, but I definitely prefer the Mac's user experience over Windows. So, to me, it's worth the occasional (admittedly rare) hassles with software or file compatibility issues. Yes, I realize that the Mac has something around five percent (or less) marketshare, but I've always suspected that the Mac enjoys a greater marketshare among medical professionals than it does among the general public. Unfortunately, I've never been able to find any statistics on the subject, so it's more of an observation.

For that reason, it really frosts my cupcakes when a popular medical Palm OS application uses an installer or a desktop conduit that isn't compatible with the Mac. Among the companies currently on the "Naughty List": Skyscape (Windows-only installer; also, they don't offer a Mac OS version of their SmartUpdate conduit, so programs like ARTBeat won't work with the Mac); Diagnosaurus (Windows-only installer and conduit); Compendica (Windows-only installer); mobilePDR (Windows-only installer); PocketMedicine (Windows-only installer); BackupBuddy (three years after the debut of Mac OS X, still no Mac OS X version). Note that when a company only offers a Windows-based installer (an .exe file), this essentially locks out all non-Windows users. This is especially annoying (and unnecessary) when the installer does nothing more than put a bunch of .prc and .pdb files into the Install Tool and tell you to HotSync. These programs could just as easily have been distributed using a .zip file, which would ensure compatibility not only with the Mac, but other OS's such as Linux.

Of course, it wouldn't be appropriate to just throw stones without giving some kudos to the companies that do recognize the importance of the Macintosh to healthcare professionals. In some cases, the compatibility may not be 100%, but it's better than nothing. Among the companies who have taken the time to make their products Mac-friendly (the "Nice List"): ePocrates (Rx Pro is available for the Mac); JournalToGo (a Mac OS X version of their conduit is in beta testing); Sanford Guide (offers a Mac installer); Tarascon (although you can manually install the Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia Deluxe, you can't use their AutoUpdate feature, meaning you have to manually redownload and reinstall it when it starts nagging you); Johns Hopkins Antibiotic Guide (partial compatibility, allows installation but lack of a Mac conduit necessitates manual updating); Lexi-Comp (partial compatibility, lack of a Mac conduit necessitates manual updating); Clinical Pharmacology On-Hand (offers a Mac installer and conduit); HanDBase (offers a Mac version of the HanDBase Desktop); iSilo (offers a Mac version of their iSiloX converter).

I'm sure there are others. Feel free to comment if you've had the same problem, and let me know of any other Palm OS applications (medical or otherwise) you've encountered that aren't Mac-friendly, or those that are. Together, we probably won't make a difference, but at least we can get it off our chests. :)
posted by Kent 9:11 AM | |

February 7, 2004

 
IQMax Announces IQEnterprise Mobile Application Platform

Charlotte, N.C.-based IQMax, Inc., a developer and provider of mobile solutions for hospitals and ambulatory clinics, recently announced the IQEnterprise Mobile Platform, featuring the IQSpeak PDA dictation solution. IQSpeak and IQCharge (charge capture) may be deployed in a wireless or wired environment. IQMax applications are supported on Palm OS and Pocket PC PDAs and meet HIPAA security guidelines, including point to point encryption.
posted by Kent 10:47 PM | |

February 6, 2004

 
BluefishRx Prescription Writer Updated

BluefishRx is an application for Palm handhelds that streamlines the prescription writing process. With BluefishRx, physicians can manage patient details and drug history, choose from a database of over 2,500 drugs, and write prescriptions directly on their handheld in seconds with a few strokes of the stylus. BluefishRx is now fully integrated with ePocratesRx. Look up drug dosing, formularies, check for drug interactions and more, all while you write prescriptions.

The doctor's signature is biometrically verified on the Palm before sending the prescription electronically to the chosen pharmacy. Prescriptions are encrypted for privacy and sent wirelessly to the pharmacy from wireless capable handhelds like the Palm i705, Tungsten W, C, T, T2, T3 or Handspring Treo. The pharmacy receives the prescription as a fax as is required in most states.

Alternatively, the physician can beam the prescription to an infrared-enabled printer, sign it and give the copy directly to the patient. Up to four prescriptions are printed per sheet of paper. Perforated security or plain paper is available from most prescription paper suppliers. BluefishRx supports various state and Rx pad formats.


posted by Kent 10:02 PM | |

February 5, 2004

 
New Version of ePocrates Rx Pro Coming Soon

I received the following from ePocrates today:

Dear ePocrates user,

Thank you for subscribing to ePocrates Rx Pro™. We hope that you are finding our premium software valuable.

Since we first launched ePocrates Rx Pro, we have received many requests for additional functionality. We are pleased to announce that in response to your feedback, we have developed an improved version of ePocrates Rx Pro for Palm OS devices synchronized with Windows computers that includes new, valuable features:

• Integrated weight-based dosing calculator (adult and peds!)
  
• Additional MedMath medical calculations
  
• Improved user interface with faster and easier access to ePocrates ID®
  
• Faster download and installation – only one HotSync required!

We plan to release ePocrates Rx Pro version 6.51 within the next month, concurrent with ePocrates Dx™, our new disease diagnosis and treatment reference powered by Griffith’s Five-Minute Clinical Consult.

The new and improved ePocrates Rx Pro version 6.51 will be free of charge for current ePocrates Rx Pro subscribers. The new ePocrates Dx will be offered at a specially discounted price to current ePocrates Rx Pro subscribers.

Please tell your colleagues about these exciting new products and stay tuned so we can keep you updated with product, pricing and availability details.

Have a question?
Please visit our support portal FAQ 745 for further information regarding ePocrates Rx Pro 6.51 and FAQ 727 for further information regarding ePocrates Dx.


posted by Kent 7:07 PM | |

February 4, 2004

 
Lippincott Nursing Resources

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins is working with Skyscape to publish PDA resources for use in nursing practice and education.

Titles that are available include the Nursing2004 Drug Handbook, a resource for up-to-the-minute information on over 1,000 generic and 3,500 brand-name drugs; Nursing2004 Herbal Medicine Handbook, a reference about 300 herbal remedies commonly used by patients; Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice: Procedures, which provides step-by-step guidelines for more than 100 procedures in all areas of nursing practice and contains many color images from the text version; and English & Spanish Medical Words & Phrases, presenting English and Spanish translations of medical terms and phrases used in clinician-patient interactions.

Additional titles include the Handbook of Diagnostic Tests; a guide to the full range of commonly performed laboratory and diagnostic tests with key diagnostic findings for more than 500 disorders and complete details on more than 550 laboratory and diagnostic tests; and Lippincott's 2004 Nursing Drug Guide, which has been updated for 2004 with more than 800 complete drug entries.

According to the companies, they plan to release more titles in the near future, including the Nursing I.V. Drug Handbook, Frye's 3000 Nursing Bullets for NCLEX-RN, and A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests.

Source: PDAStreet
posted by Kent 10:18 PM | |

February 2, 2004

 
Harrison's Manual of Medicine

Eminently readable, completely current, and dramatically revised, Skyscape's new fifteenth edition of Harrison's Manual of Medicine raises the bar for internal medicine references. Harrison's continues to provide the most authoritative record of internal medicine as practiced by the leading experts in the field. And it gives you the one comprehensive database that covers the full spectrum of issues you need to know now.

posted by Kent 10:36 PM | |

 
Clinicians Get Free 'Bird Flu' Data

Skyscape Inc. is giving clinicians free access to information that helps identify and treat Avian Influenza A, or "bird flu." The information is available for hand-held computers via the company's online CDC Spotlights "channel." Hudson, Mass.-based Skyscape is offering physicians and other caregivers the data as part of its free ARTbeat platform.

Because Avian influenza has spread to humans, clinical information can help medical professionals allay people's fears and gain a level of expertise. Additionally, CDC Spotlights enables interim infection control and exposure management guidance in the health care and community setting for patients with possible flu infections, company executives say.

CDC Spotlights incorporates content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site to provide clinicians with the latest information on bird flu and other potentially rapidly-spreading diseases, such as SARS, West Nile virus and Lyme disease, along with potential bio-terrorism agents, such as anthrax and smallpox.

Source: Mobile Health Data
posted by Kent 6:38 PM | |

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