Here is a list of mobile apps that have been a life saver (or should I say resident saver) during my residency days in general medicine. These are listed out in no particular order. I have also added play store links to these apps too. Here goes,
1. Up to Date
The UpToDate mobile app is a clinical decision support tool that provides healthcare professionals with evidence-based information on medical conditions, treatments, and drugs. The app includes over 12,000 topics covering more than 25 medical specialties, and its content is updated regularly to reflect the latest research and clinical guidelines. The app also offers features such as interactive algorithms, drug interactions, and patient education materials, making it a comprehensive resource for clinicians. With an internet connection, the app can be used to access the full UpToDate database, but offline access is also available for previously downloaded content. The app is available for free to individual subscribers of UpToDate, and institutional subscriptions are also available for healthcare organizations.
2. MDCalc
MDCalc is a mobile app that provides healthcare professionals with quick access to medical calculators and decision support tools. The app offers over 500 clinical decision tools, including risk scores, algorithms, equations, and medical calculators, covering a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and more. The app is designed to help healthcare professionals save time, reduce errors, and improve patient outcomes by providing evidence-based clinical decision support at the point of care. MDCalc is available for free on iOS and Android devices, and its calculators and tools are regularly updated to reflect the latest clinical guidelines and research.
3. RheumaHelper
RheumaHelper is a mobile app designed to assist healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases. The app includes a variety of tools, including disease calculators, classification criteria, and treatment algorithms, to aid in the evaluation and treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and gout. The app is based on the latest clinical guidelines and research, and its calculators and algorithms are validated and regularly updated. RheumaHelper is available for free on iOS and Android devices, and is aimed at rheumatologists, internists, and primary care physicians.
4. Sanford Guide
The Sanford Antimicrobial Guide Collection app is a wonderful resource for medical postgraduate residents. It offers up-to-date guidance on antimicrobial therapy and infectious diseases, saving time and aiding decision-making at the point of care. The app promotes responsible prescribing and helps combat antimicrobial resistance, ensuring better patient outcomes. This app is available on both Android and Apple devices but comes with an annual paid subscription.
5. Harrison’s Manual of Medicine
This app is based on the renowned textbook, Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, and offers a condensed and practical version of its content. For healthcare professionals, particularly those in clinical settings, the Harrison's Manual of Medicine app offers several benefits. It provides a convenient and portable resource, allowing quick referencing of important medical information right at the point of care. This app also requires payment on both Android and iOS. If you were to buy the book, you can have access to the contents online and may not need the app.
Image by Yura Fresh from Unsplash
6. CDC Vaccine Schedules
The CDC Vaccine Schedules app is an essential resource for medicine residents, offering a user-friendly interface with comprehensive vaccine information. It allows residents to create patient profiles like pregnancy, chronic liver disease, end stage renal disease among others to provide information on what vaccines can and should be given in these special situations. The app receives regular updates, works offline, and is a valuable tool for managing vaccination schedules and recommendations, benefiting all healthcare professionals. This app is freely available on both Android and iOS devices.