What's New

January 31, 2006

 
Emergency Medicine Manual, 6th Ed.

Unbound Medicine recently released Emergency Medicine Manual, 6th edition, putting a remarkable amount of clinically focused information at your fingertips. Newly updated for the PDA, the manual delivers patient presentations, diagnoses, treatment strategies, indications for hospital admission, and appropriate follow-up, all organized for rapid reference.

Find answers quickly when you are faced with a difficult diagnosis or need the latest treatment recommendations. Access differential diagnosis tables, step-by-step treatment guidelines, and new pharmacologic considerations with just a few clicks. More than 80 expert authors address the full range of problems seen in emergency departments.

Emergency Medicine Manual is based on the leading reference in the field and endorsed by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). This all new PDA edition is the perfect pocket resource for any emergency clinician.


posted by Kent 10:15 PM | |

 
Palm OS vs. Windows Mobile: The Debate Continues

The Washington Post has published an article titled, Palm OS vs. Windows Mobile: The Debate Continues. The author lays out an interesting comparison of the Palm Treo 650 and the Treo 700w. He tests the execution of common tasks on each smartphone in a step by step fashion and looks at the installation of new apps on each device.


posted by Kent 9:37 PM | |

 
Missing Sync Updated for Intel Macs

Today, Mark/Space announced a free Universal Application update to its synchronization application to support Apple's new Intel-based Macs, which started shipping earlier this month.

Due by the end of March, The Missing Sync 5.1 will ship as a universal binary, providing full support for both PowerPC and Intel Macs running Mac OS X.

The Missing Sync for Palm OS improves syncing with Address Book and iCal in Mac OS X 10.4 and adds iPhoto, iTunes and document synchronization, Wi-Fi sync, intuitive conduit management, desktop mounting of memory cards and other features not available with PalmSource's HotSync Manager. Mark/Space says Mac-to-Palm OS conduit developers can also leverage The Missing Sync framework to create future-compatible Palm/Mac conduits for their applications.
posted by Kent 9:31 PM | |

January 30, 2006

 
Schwartz Principles of Surgery on Sale

US Biomedical Information Systems (USBMIS) announces its Sale of the Week for the week of January 30th – February 5th. Click here to purchase Schwartz Principles of Surgery, PDA edition and receive 20% off instantly.

With its extensive content and custom-designed user interface, Schwartz Principles of Surgery, PDA Edition enables you quick access to the answers you need to make the right diagnosis or initiate a treatment. Interlinked content, a notes feature, and custom bookmarks make this more than a reference application. Schwartz Principles of Surgery has developed into the ultimate PDA tool for anyone in the surgery field.

One of the world's most well-known references in general surgery and considered a must for anyone in this area of specialty, if you don’t already have this valuable application for your Palm or Pocket PC device, now is the time to buy.
posted by Kent 5:23 PM | |

 
In Praise of Older Handhelds

Technology moves pretty fast in the handheld market, but that doesn't mean your current PDA is obsolete with the next new product announcement. Ed Hardy over at Brighthand has written an interesting article about the value of older handhelds. If you've ever been uncertain about the need for an upgrade, it's worth a read.
posted by Kent 8:17 AM | |

January 29, 2006

 
MediClear v2.1

MediClear is an easy to use, quick, creatinine clearance calculator.

Features include a numerical keypad, for simple entry, SI and imperial units and a large display. Freeware.


posted by Kent 10:13 AM | |

 
No Treos in the Hospital?

Maybe it's time for hospitals to start taking down those "no cellphones" signs. A new study from the Yale University School of Medicine found that allowing doctors to use cellphones to communicate reduces error rates by allowing more timely communication.


posted by Kent 9:54 AM | |

January 28, 2006

 
Happy Birthday to Palm

On January 28, 1996, Jeff Hawkins introduced the Palm Pilot to the world at Demo '96 at the Indian Wells Resort in southern California. Ten years later, many of us wonder how we ever got along without one.


posted by Kent 10:01 AM | |

January 24, 2006

 
Fat Estimator v1.1

Every once in a while, I'll run across a form that asks for a patient's body fat percentage. At present, I have no way to measure this in the office, so I usually leave it blank. Next time, maybe I'll use this program to calculate it. After all, some experts have suggested that body fat may be a better indicator of overall fitness than body mass index (BMI).

Fat Estimator v1.1 estimates body fat percentage and ideal body weight using a tape-measure method by Covert Bailey. It's freeware.


posted by Kent 10:14 PM | |

 
Epocrates Launches in Europe and the UK

Epocrates Inc., the US firm specialising in mobile systems for the healthcare industry, has announced its expansion into the global market today with the introduction of local brand and generic drug names integrated into its clinical applications.

The company's mobile applications, including the Epocrates Rx free drug reference and its Epocrates Essentials premium drug, disease and diagnostic guide, now incorporate drug name indexes for four countries - Canada, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Eprocrates says the addition of the local drug indexes will be followed by the addition of enhanced clinical content and additional services, including news alerts, medical education and market research. The company also plans to expand into additional countries, including France and Italy, in 2006.

Source: E-Health Insider
posted by Kent 10:09 PM | |

 
Opera Releases Mini Browser for PDAs

Today, Opera Software announced the release of Opera Mini, a Web browser that runs on mobile phones, including Palm OS handhelds and Treo smartphones. Opera Mini is available free of charge via an over-the-air WAP download, or for a small fee via SMS. Opera Mini for Palm OS requires the Palm Java Micro Environment.

Opera Mini compresses Web pages by up to 80% and reformats them using Small-Screen Rendering. For the end-user, this means faster browsing and dramatically reduced phone bills for those who pay by the kilobyte for data transfers.

Opera Mini's start page features a Google search box, and the customizable bookmark list makes it easy to save and surf your favorite sites.

Source: PalmInfoCenter


posted by Kent 9:59 PM | |

January 23, 2006

 
Skyscape Introduces Stedman’s Medical Dictionary

Skyscape recently announced the release of Stedman’s Medical Dictionary, NEW 28th Edition formatted specially for PDAs and smart phones.

Stedman’s Medical Dictionary offers quick access to thousands of medical terms, drug names, eponyms, procedures and protocols. Thoroughly reviewed and updated, the 28th edition contains more than 107,000 total terms.
posted by Kent 6:13 PM | |

 
Mass. General Deploys Wireless Application

Today, PatientKeeper® announced that the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization (MGPO), the largest multi-specialty group practice in New England, is planning to deploy PatientKeeper Charge Capture™ and PatientKeeper Clinical Results™ to physicians at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

The Massachusetts General Hospital, an internationally recognized academic medical center, has integrated the PatientKeeper Platform with several different information systems, ranging from scheduling to active medication lists. In the next few months, PatientKeeper will be integrated with additional systems.

Physicians at the MGPO have the following applications available on the PatientKeeper Platform:

• PatientKeeper Charge Capture enables caregivers to record professional services. The results are fewer lost or forgotten bills, fewer coding and billing errors, shorter payment cycles, and more revenue.
• PatientKeeper Clinical Results delivers essential patient information, such as active medications, lab results, and test results to the point of care. Easy access to the latest patient data improves patient care, reduces medical errors, increases physician productivity and satisfaction, and reduces the amount of administrative work for the entire care team.

posted by Kent 5:55 PM | |

 
Palm Webinar Tomorrow

On Tuesday, January 24, 2006, at 1:00PM EST, Palm will conduct a 1-hour webinar for healthcare providers and health systems management. The webinar is entitled, Mobilizing the Digital Doctor's Office with GE Centricity® PO Mobile™ (Powered by PatientKeeper), and is co-sponsored by GE Healthcare.

In a one-hour education session, industry experts will share:

• An in-depth view of GE Healthcare’s latest offering: GE Centricity® PO Mobile™ (Powered by PatientKeeper)
• Customer success stories
• A demonstration of typical physician usage scenarios

This event will end with a drawing for a new Palm® T|X handheld.

Click here to register.
posted by Kent 5:49 PM | |

January 20, 2006

 
MD MELD

No, not the Vulcan mind-meld (I think I just revealed a bit of Trekkie geekiness there)...we're talking liver transplants.

MD MELD calculates the new standard for liver transplantation (the MELD score.) It's freeware.


posted by Kent 6:49 PM | |

 
Another New Co-Blogger

I'm pleased to announce that Terry Harwood, PA-C has joined the Ectopic Brain team as a co-blogger. Thanks to all of our co-bloggers for their valued input!
posted by Kent 6:36 PM | |

 
Bili-Aid

The Bili-Aid tool was written by Gil Dollberg as a reference for the practicing physician taking care of jaundiced term or near-term newborns. It's based on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations regarding the need for phototherapy or exchange transfusion based on age and risk factors.

The program was recently presented in the January, 2006 issue of Pediatrics, and is offered as freeware.

Thanks to David Estroff for the tip.
posted by Kent 6:30 PM | |

 
Fossil Offering Wrist PDA for $79.00

Fossil appears to be blowing out their Wrist PDA, offering it for $79.00 with free shipping. They're bound to go fast at that price.

If you've forgotten what the Wrist PDA is, here's a review.


posted by Kent 6:18 PM | |

January 18, 2006

 
Welcome, Co-Bloggers!

I'm very pleased to announce the addition of several new co-bloggers to the Ectopic Brain team! Joining me are Andre Chen, David Gurney, Andrew Schechtman, and Carl Weber. With their help, I hope to keep the Ectopic Brain active and up-to-date!
posted by Kent 10:16 PM | |

 
Skyscape Releases Cochrane Reviews

Skyscape and John Wiley & Sons, Inc. recently announced the release of the Cochrane Reviews for mobile devices and desktop computers.

Cochrane Reviews enable all those involved with healthcare decisions to keep up to date with the very latest evidence in their field of interest - a challenge which becomes harder each year as the volume of evidence increases. Cochrane Reviews solve this problem by delivering the best single source available for continually updated evidence-based medical information. Each review explores the evidence for and against the effectiveness and appropriateness of treatments (medications, surgery, education, etc.) in specific circumstances.

Reviews are prepared by health care professionals who volunteer to work in one of the many Collaborative Review Groups, with editorial teams overseeing the preparation and maintenance of the reviews, as well as application of the rigorous quality standards for which Cochrane Reviews have become known.

Cochrane Reviews are recognized internationally as sources of high quality, reliable health information. A structured format helps the reader to find their way around the review quickly and easily. Multinational editorial teams ensure that reviews are applicable in different parts of the world. Cochrane Reviews are updated quarterly.
posted by David 8:35 AM | |

January 17, 2006

 
Skyscape Introduces MobileDDx

Skyscape today announced the release of MobileDDx Differential Diagnosis Tool formatted specially for PDAs and smart phones.

With MobileDDx, you can choose to explore topics by organ system, symptoms or diseases only, or search across all topics. For example, if you wish to review the causes of a patient's chief complaint, simply select the symptom or sign from the main index. If you have made a diagnosis and wonder what other disorders to consider, select your diagnosis from the list to see its differential diagnoses. Over 1,000 medicine and surgery differential diagnoses are included, derived from the trusted Current Lange series.

"'MobileDDx Differential Diagnosis Tool'" is ideal for medical practitioners," said Sandeep Shah, Skyscape founder and CEO. "Skyscape’s intuitive and easy-to-use interface, smARTlink, provides practitioners with instant access to critical information at the point of care. This reference is a powerful decision support tool that helps in reducing errors and enhances the quality of patient care," said Shah.


posted by Kent 9:36 AM | |

January 16, 2006

 
bcc: Mobile Resource Guide

The bcc: Mobile Resource Guide, newly updated for Q1 2006, is a comprehensive, inclusive list of companies that provide solutions across a number of application areas in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition to providing the 'long-list' of companies in the mobile space, the Guide presents bcc:'s mobile market segmentation to help users quickly filter through the 160+ vendors listed, and the 'Free Download' section helps clinicians choose among 125+ Free Resources to add mobility to their workflow.
posted by Kent 7:27 AM | |

 
Coming Soon: New MeisterMed Release

Coming Soon: The next free clinical release from MeisterMed - A PDA Edition of Dr. Michael Wolkomir's popular handbook Understanding and Interpreting Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring. Screenshots and information are available here.
posted by Kent 7:19 AM | |

 
Save on a New PDA from the AAFP

If you're a family physician, here's an opportunity to experience the new PDA from Palm and save more than $200 off the retail price.

Check out the NEW Palm T|X Handheld now available through your AAFP member benefit from PDA Verticals. Take advantage of affordable WiFi and 100MB of actual program space. This new device comes complete with Medicopeia: The Family Physician Edition, an innovative subscription program for point-of-care use. Medicopeia is automatically updated and maintained -- never hassle with downloading or registering again.

Package includes Epocrates RxPro, Epocrates Dx, FP Toolbox, InfoPOEMs, MedCalc, MedRules, Shots 2005, Eponyms, and Lifetime Technical Support.

Visit the AAFP web site or call (800) 462-0388 to take advantage of this special offer. To reach an AAFP Member Services representative, call (800) 274-2237, extension 6814.
posted by Kent 7:12 AM | |

 
Painless (well, sorta) Resets for Treo 650

This definitely falls into the category of "why didn't Palm think of that." Anyone using a Treo 650 has experienced the frustration associated with having to remove the battery cover in order to press the hidden reset button in the event an errant app causes the device to lock up.

Well, no more! Seidio's replacement battery cover incorporates a reset hole, so all you have to do is poke your stylus into the opening, and voila!


posted by Kent 12:22 AM | |

January 15, 2006

 
Free Neurology Text!

This text is FREEWARE to try out the clinical series. There are 30 other modules in the Clinical Medicine Series. The texts in this clinical series can be read by iSilo ($19) or the MobiPocket Reader (free).

The program may be downloaded from:

Medical iSilo Depot
PalmGear
or
Handango (Just run a search for "clinical neurology").

Other available titles in this series: Clinical Endocrinology, Orthopedics, Nephrology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, ENT, Psychiatry, Urology, Infectious Disease, Women's Health, Hematology-Oncology, Geriatrics-Death & Dying, Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Allergy, Pediatrics, Ethics-Alternative Medicine-Evidence Based Medicine-Communication, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Travel Medicine, Wound Care, Alternative Medicine and Procedures in Medicine.

The Clinical Medicine Consult contains all 30 titles, and is available from http://clinicalmedconsult.com.


posted by Consult 7:56 PM | |

 
Baby Needs a Facelift!

No, not the kind you'll see at awfulplasticsurgery.com. The graphics and layout for the Ectopic Brain are getting pretty stale, and doing anything much snazzier than this is beyond my expertise.

Anyone out there interested in designing a really nice-looking set of templates? If so, e-mail me!
posted by Kent 6:04 PM | |

 
Shots 2006

Shots 2006 has been released, updated with the January 2006 childhood schedule and October 2005 updates to the adult schedule. The new version also includes photos (optional) of vaccine-preventable diseases.

As always, Shots 2006 continues to be freeware, courtesy of the Group on Immunization Education of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM).


posted by Kent 2:38 PM | |

 
MobileCME...anywhere!

I've been using Epocrates' MobileCME quite a bit lately. I've taken advantage of downtime while stuck in traffic, waiting for my car to be serviced, shopping with my wife, and even on breaks during my workday. It's great! The short articles are usually relevant to my practice, and it takes very little time to read them and answer the questions. If you haven't tried MobileCME yet, you definitely need to check it out.
posted by Kent 1:51 PM | |

 
ICUmath Updated

Terry Fagan's excellent freeware medical calculator, ICUmath, has been updated with new calculators and improved accuracy.

ICUmath features 85 equations for adult intensive care medicine, including pulmonary, cardiology, BNP CHF nomogram, pharmacokinetic dosing, renal, electrolyte, chemistry, nutrition, TPN, perioperative risk, biostatistics, ACLS, Apache II, unit conversions, rules of thumb, and an RPN calculator with TVM.


posted by Kent 1:42 PM | |

 
Epocrates Essentials Adds Symptom Diagnostic Tool

Epocrates Essentials has added a new symptom diagnostic tool called "Sx" to complement its "Dx" (a.k.a. Five-Minute Clinical Consult) disease reference.

The tool adds a new tab at the top of the screen, which takes you to a screen where you're prompted to input the age and gender of your patient, along with the duration of their symptoms. You can then select multiple items from a list of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings. Click "Run", and the program produces a list of possible conditions, grouped as either "common" or "rare." You can refine your search at any point by clicking the "refine" button and providing additional relevant information. Click on an individual diagnosis, and you're taken to the appropriate entry in Dx to read more about it.

Sx makes a great addition to an already outstanding clinical tool!
posted by Kent 1:28 PM | |

Visit the Archives for previous news items.