Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Last day to get Epocrates Essentials for free

If you're a U.S. medical student, you can get Epocrates Essentials for free. That's right, FREE! But, today is the last day for this promotion. To learn more, visit:

http://www.epocrates.com/ma/FreeforMedicalStudents2010/

Lexi-Comp discount for medical students


AMSA (American Medical Student Association) has partnered with Lexi-Comp - a leading provider of medication information and clinical content for the healthcare industry - to provide medical students with the most up-to-date and unbiased drug information on the market for a fraction of the price. Free from pharmaceutical influence, Lexi-Comp's content gives you access to the objective medical reference material you need when you need it.

AMSA Member Packages

Device Logos
Take advantage of huge savings when you purchase any of Lexi-Comp's three discounted AMSA member packages:
  • Lexi-COMPLETE™
  • Lexi-CLINICAL SUITE™
  • Lexi-Drugs® & Lexi-Interact™

Windows Phone 7 - questions and predictions

The buzz around Windows Phone 7 is starting to grow again because developer tools are getting released next month. Given that older Windows Mobile apps won't be compatible with Windows Phone 7, we're going to be starting from Ground Zero with this brand new smartphone OS. How many medical apps will be available on the Windows Marketplace when Windows Phone 7 launches? 

Will Microsoft develop Windows Phone 7 to be a smartphone OS that will drive consumers to switch from their existing platforms? Will Windows Phone 7 be a welcome upgrade for existing Windows Mobile users? Or, will it feel like an entirely new OS? What type of support will be provided for legacy Windows Mobile apps? What will Microsoft do to gain (or regain) momentum in the smartphone market?

Other smartphone systems like Android, BlackBerry, or webOS are now being loaded on slate tablets. I'm sure Microsoft will do the same and we'll end up seeing some Windows Phone 7 slate tablets out there competing against the iPad, BlackPad, PalmPad, AndroidPad, etc. Maybe this is where Microsoft could gain a significant advantage over other tablets. Given that so many people are running Microsoft Windows at home and/or work, it would make a lot of sense to have a mobile device that seamlessly integrates with Windows Live, Mesh, etc. This integration may start with a smartphone, but it will probably be more useful if it's available on a slate tablet. So, instead of grabbing users through the phone, Microsoft may aim to grab users through the slate. Then, those slate users will want Windows Phone 7 running on their smartphones too.

Monday, August 30, 2010

SurgAware

Here's another interesting medical app: SurgAware

We at SurgAware know that deciding to have an operation can be difficult. Whenever possible, a patient needs to know all the details – the reason for the operation, the alternatives to surgery, the consequences of not having the operation, and all the things that can potentially go wrong.

In most cases, the benefits of surgery should be higher than the risks of surgery or the risks of not having an operation. For a doctor, the risks of surgery are generally the things that are most difficult to talk about. Add to that that 70% of what is said in a doctor’s consulting room is forgotten within 24 hours....and many patients remain unaware of the risks that influence these decisions.


Army Survival Manual for iPhone

Army Survival is the original source for many of the best known survival manuals. This manual is time tested and battle hardened to give you the finest single source for self-reliance in all extreme circumstances. Used during real life survival situations, it is a primer for the U.S. Army infantry and Special Forces.

This edition is the most recent and complete version of the Army Survival Manual. It contains easy to access information concerning:
  • survival in extreme climates
  • identification of poisonous plants and snakes
  • creating potable water
  • animal trapping
  • creating hand held weapons
  • how to build shelter for specific locations
  • direction finding using the stars
  • tips on physical and mental fitness
  • ocean survival
  • navigation and compass use
Click here to learn more.

    Sunday, August 29, 2010

    Epocrates for iPhone gets updated

    Epocrates on the iPhone and iPod touch has been updated to Version 3.8. If you're running iPhone 4, then you'll appreciate the multitasking ability.

    The new version will help you:
    Multitask with ease. Fast app switching means you don’t have to close Epocrates if you need to perform another function [iPhone 4.0 is required to use this new feature]
    Search quicker. The search bar is now more responsive to your taps, so you can start your search right away
    Save time. The keyboard is hidden when browsing search results, which means you spend less time scrolling to find the information you want
    Epocrates is the #1 mobile drug reference resource used by healthcare providers at the point of care. Trusted for accurate content and innovative offerings, physicians choose Epocrates 3 to 1 as their point of care drug reference of choice.

    Clinicians turn to Epocrates numerous times throughout the day to make more informed medical decisions. They report that using Epocrates helps them avoid making medical errors, leading to improved patient safety. Epocrates also helps physicians save time; over 40% report saving 20 minutes or more a day.

    Get Epocrates here

    Saturday, August 28, 2010

    When Doctors Find Their Smartphones Most Useful

    This is a guest post by Paul Hench. Contact me if you'd like to submit a guest post.

    When Doctors Find Their Smartphones Most Useful

    There’s a surfeit of them today; even so, newer ones keep coming out regularly. No sooner than you’re just admiring your latest smartphone and bragging to your friends about its looks and capabilities than one shinier and supposedly better is released by a competitor. If it’s not a new model, it’s a new operating system or an upgrade of an existing OS. In short, if you own and use a smartphone, you must have immense self control if you want to avoid shelling out hundreds of dollars on model after model.

    However, I’ve found that most people with smartphones tend to have their own favorites, and unless they’re really looking for a change, they prefer to stick with one brand and update when that particular brand has a new phone or a new OS. For example, BlackBerry users swear by the convenience that push mail and instant messaging offers; iPhone users wouldn’t change loyalties even if they were offered a free smartphone from a rival brand – they love the fact that they own a status symbol and that there are thousands of apps that they can choose from; and Google has a few converts now with its Android OS – the brand is irrelevant for lovers of this versatile OS which is certainly miles above anything that Microsoft has come up with.


    Metabolic Enzymes (new subclass) added to Epocrates

    Here's a snippet from the recent Epocrates Pulse newsletter:

    In response to your requests, the editors at Epocrates have added a new subclass, Metabolic Enzymes, to our drug database. These drugs include Adagen, Aldurazyme, Ceredase, Cerezyme, Elaprase, Fabrazyme, Kuvan, Lumizyme, Myozyme, Naglazyme, and Vpriv. You can see them all in one place: browse by class, select the Endocrine/Metabolism class, and then select the Metabolic Enzymes subclass. In our Epocrates disease database, you can find our related disease monographs on: Phenylketonuria and Common hereditary lysosomal storage diseases.

    Motorola Droid 2 vs. the Droid X (Verizon)

    Here's a nice video that compares the Motorola Droid 2 vs. the Droid X.

    I'm planning on getting the Droid X because I really like the large screen, it records HD video, and it can accommodate an extended battery without getting too thick (the Droid 2 also accommodates an extended battery, but then it's a bit thicker compared to the Droid X). The QWERTY keyboard on the Droid 2 was a bit too small for me (keep in mind that I'm used to the HTC Touch Pro2 which has one of the best QWERTY keyboards out there).

    Friday, August 27, 2010

    AirStrip and Alere Announce Partnership

    AirStrip and Alere Announce Partnership

    AirStrip Technologies™ Inc., a pioneer in mobile medical software development, has announced a new collaboration with Alere Health, LLC (a division of Alere Inc. NYSE: ALR) and the Alere® Women's & Children's Health Division.
    Alere, the largest U.S. provider of specialized health management services, will begin offering AirStrip OB™ to its healthcare provider client base through a marketing agreement.
    The AirStrip OB solution transmits vital patient waveform data in virtual real time directly from the hospital labor and delivery unit to a doctor's mobile wireless device.
    "AirStrip Technologies is moving its innovative remote patient monitoring solutions into the home health arena to monitor multiple clinical scenarios," said AirStrip Technologies Chief Sales Officer Bruce Brandes. "The AirStrip-Alere agreement delivers a partnership to the market that combines great technology with great experience."
    "AirStrip OB, coupled with Alere's home nursing network, makes a perfect fit for building on our industry-leading homecare obstetric services," said Gregg Raybuck, president of Alere WCH. "Alere supported more than 225,000 pregnancies in 2009. Our collaboration with AirStrip empowers us to expand into new areas of in-patient and homecare management."

    Mobile phones improving health literacy and empowering pregnant women and moms

    Here's an interesting press release:

    BABYCENTERÃ’ EXTENDS ITS REACH TO MOBILE PHONES TO EMPOWER PREGNANT WOMEN AND MOMS WORLDWIDE

    Mobile Technology Leveraged to Improve Health Literacy in India and Around the Globe

    (San Francisco) – August 9, 2010 – BabyCenterÃ’, the #1 pregnancy and parenting destination worldwide, today announced the launch of a new program to adapt its content and experience to the most basic type of mobile phones, starting in India. In an effort to reach underserved women in emerging markets, this new BabyCenter application brings pre-natal and maternal health information to previously hard-to-reach women and encourages positive behavior changes. This population can now receive essential trusted health information and useful tips on their mobile phones through a combination of daily SMS and voice recordings in English and Hindi.

    “More than 20 million moms around the globe look to BabyCenter each month for advice, support and vital information about their maternal health,” said Tina Sharkey, Chairman and Global President of BabyCenter. “But the reality is, there are large populations of women in developing nations who don’t have access to books, the Internet, or even regular visits with their healthcare professionals, but they do have mobile phones. The continued growth of mobile will be the inflection point for billions of people to become empowered to take an active role in their own health.”

    Thursday, August 26, 2010

    BabyCenter® My Pregnancy Today

    Introducing the most comprehensive daily pregnancy app – from BabyCenter, the most trusted pregnancy and parenting resource worldwide. Simply enter your baby's due date and My Pregnancy Today turns your iPhone into an expert guide for your exact day of pregnancy. Feel more prepared for your baby's birth, and get the answers you need, whenever you need them.

    My Pregnancy Today features:
    ✔ Your pregnancy day by day: Learn how your body's changing, what's ahead, and how to cope
    ✔ Fetal development images: See what your baby looks like each week
    ✔ Pregnancy checklist: Reminders to keep you on track with decisions, appointments, and more
    ✔ Award-winning videos: Watch your baby grow in the womb, and witness moms giving birth
    ✔ Birth clubs: Connect with other women due at the same time
    ✔ Due date calculator: Quickly find your due date
    ✔ Nutrition guide: Manage your weight gain with tips and recipes to help you eat well
    ✔ Track your progress: Countdown to your big day

    All information is approved by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board.

    Get started – download My Pregnancy Today – it's free!

    Click here for more information. 

    Mobile Health Expo Expands Exhibit Hall to Include App Universe and University Forum

    Here's a press release that may be of interest:

    Mobile Health Expo Expands Exhibit Hall to Include App Universe and University Forum

    Dedicated floor space highlights iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Android healthcare applications; physician education

    AUSTIN, Tex. – August 12, 2010 – Mobile Health Expo™, the only event focusing on the convergence of mobile technology and healthcare across the entire mobile health ecosystem, today announced the addition of the App Universe and University Forum to its October event in Las Vegas. These dedicated areas within the larger exhibit hall will focus exclusively on mobile application developers and select academic institutions that are influencing the mobile health industry.


    Save up to 75% on the ZAGG invisibleSHIELD

    The invisibleSHIELD is a great way to protect your gadget and they're having a major sale. I've personally tested the invisibleSHIELD and it's surprisingly indestructible. 

    Here's the story about the invisibleSHIELD:
    The first invisibleSHIELD™ design came about in early 2005 when a man wanted to protect his wristwatch from nicks and scratches. He found the solution in a clear, thin, and very durable military film originally made to protect US military helicopter blades from high-speed damage. He immediately saw the massive potential for a virtually invisible and indestructible protective covering in consumer use, and began working on two fronts: legally securing this new idea of putting clear protective adhesive film covering on electronic devices, and developing other innovative uses for the film. Once patents were prepared and filed, the invisibleSHIELD made its world debut.
    Up to 75% off Blowout Sale on Selected Items at ZAGG.com. Check it out now.

    Wednesday, August 25, 2010

    Get mobilePDR for Prescribers (free)

    It's finally back!

    A $59.95 value, mobilePDR is available FREE to MDs, DOs, NPs, and PAs in full-time patient practice. PDR Network has partnered with Skyscape to offer mobilePDR via the Skyscape medical reference information mobile service, which includes more than 1.4 million users worldwide. mobilePDR can be used on all major mobile platforms and is immediately available to you for free download.

    If you're using Android:
    • In order to download your free copy of mobilePDR®, you will need to go to the Android Market on your device*
    • Once you get to the Market, search for "mobilePDR"
    • Select the "mobilePDR® for Prescribers" app and follow the prompts to complete your installation
    mobilePDR is available for the following mobile platforms:
      Androidâ„¢ Android™
      BlackBerry® BlackBerry®
      iPadâ„¢/iPhoneâ„¢/iPod® touch iPad™/iPhone™/iPod® touch
      Palm OS® Palm OS®
      Palm Pre Classic Palm Pre Classic
      Windows Mobile®/Pocket PC/SmartphoneWindows Mobile®/Pocket PC/Smartphone

      Learn more here: http://www.skyscape.com/mobilepdr

      Get (or upgrade to) the Motorola DROID 2 for $99

      Motorola DROID II Android Phone (Verizon Wireless) You can get the Motorola DROID 2 for $99 through Amazon. This is a great deal considering that the Droid 2 is normally $199 through Verizon. Loaded with Android 2.2, the DROID 2 offers greater multitasking capabilities, enhanced corporate e-mail, and Adobe Flash 10.1 support.

      I'll be upgrading my smartphone next month. Which one will I get? I'm on the Verizon network and I'll be staying on the Verizon network. Let's see what types of new smartphones show up on Verizon.

      Tuesday, August 24, 2010

      Daily SMS did not improve adherence to oral contraceptive pills

      You'd think that daily SMS (text messages) would improve adherence to pills, right? After all, many patients miss doses because they forget. So what happens if you randomize 82 women to either receive a daily SMS reminder or no SMS reminder?

      Here's what the authors found:

      METHODS: This randomized controlled trial estimated whether there was an effect of daily text-message reminders on oral contraceptive pill adherence of new oral contraceptive pill users. Pill-taking was tracked for 3 months by an electronic monitoring device with wireless data collection. During the study period, participants assigned the intervention received a daily reminder text message. Eighty-two women were assigned randomly to detect a 1.6±2.0 pill difference (90% power, 5% α, 15% dropout).

      RESULTS: Participants were 79% white, non-Hispanic, 99% high school graduates, and 99% nulliparous with a mean age of 22 years. Most reported condom use with past coital activity, and more than half reported prior emergency contraception use. The mean number of missed pills per cycle did not differ significantly between the groups: 4.9±3.0 for the text-message group and 4.6±3.5 for the control group (P=.60). The number of missed pills per cycle increased over the course of the study, but this pattern did not increase differentially between the groups. Adherence recorded by the electronic monitoring device indicated much poorer adherence than that recorded by patient diaries. Despite poor pill-taking, there were no pregnancies.

      CONCLUSION: Daily text-message reminders did not improve oral contraceptive pill adherence. Although the lack of benefit may be attributed to the frequent use of alternative reminder systems in the control group, the rate of missed pills when measured objectively was still very high in both groups.

      Using Daily Text-Message Reminders to Improve Adherence With Oral Contraceptives: A Randomized Controlled Trial

      Obstetrics & Gynecology: September 2010 - Volume 116 - Issue 3 - pp 633-640
      Hou, Melody Y. MD, MPH; Hurwitz, Shelley PhD; Kavanagh, Erin MPP; Fortin, Jennifer MPH; Goldberg, Alisa B. MD, MPH

      Click here to read the abstract.

      Are you surprised by the results? I don't think SMS will be effective unless people are already using SMS on a regular basis. You could also build a feedback system so that the patient continues to receive an SMS reminder until the patient replies back indicating that he/she has taken the medication.

      Mobile Apps for Diabetes Patients (on ReachMD)

      Tune in to ReachMD to hear my short commentary regarding mobile apps for diabetes patients.

      There are a variety of smartphone apps for patients with diabetes. Some only provide blood glucose numbers, but some do much more. Which are diabetes apps are worth recommending to your patients?

      Click here to listen to the program (registration/log in required)

      This is part of the Mobile Medical Minute series on ReachMD.


      PerfectServe Clinician iPhone App

      PerfectServe Clinician is the First iPhone App. to Give Doctors Complete Control Over Communications with Colleagues, Hospitals and Patients 
      Provides access to a leading workflow-driven solution for clinical communications; enables physicians to contact colleagues, change call schedules and protect caller ID on patient calls  
      Knoxville, Tenn. (August 24, 2010)—About one in every three American physicians has an iPhone. Now, for the first time, they can download an iPhone application that allows them to contact colleagues, change their call schedules and protect caller ID on patient calls.
      The new application, PerfectServe Clinician, is available at no charge to doctors whose hospitals or private practices use the latest version of PerfectServe, the leading physician-based, workflow-driven solution for clinical communications. The iPhone application gives doctors another way—in addition to voice and Web interfaces—to access PerfectServe’s network platform. (To view a demo, see “How to Use the PerfectServe Clinician iPhone App.”)

      Monday, August 23, 2010

      Doctors are still using Windows Mobile and the original Palm OS

      I think that many of us know that doctors are generally late adopters of technology. So, those who got a PDA or smartphone running Windows Mobile or the original Palm OS are probably still using that same device.

      Over the weekend, I got together with several physicians for lunch and dinner. During each meal, we talked about the evolving smartphone market and I saw a few physicians show me that they're still using a Windows Mobile or Palm OS smartphone (like the Treo). Most have switched to the Apple iPhone, RIM BlackBerry, or Google Android. However, some still tend to keep what's familiar and comfortable.

      Speaking of smartphones, there are still plenty of physicians out there who are using standalone PDAs. You may still remember those devices (maybe you even had one). When will these doctors switch to a smartphone? Maybe these people are the same ones who are still using paper charts instead of electronic health records (EHRs) in their clinical practice. Doctors are creatures of habit. Plus, they're really busy, so they don't have time to play around with the latest gadgets at Best Buy or the mall. I still meet doctors who tell me that they've never seen or touched an Apple iPad.

      Saturday, August 21, 2010

      Two iPhones in good use this weekend

      This weekend, we got together with some relatives. Here are two Apple iPhones going to good use. They're great for educational purposes, right?

      Did you recently upgrade your iPhone? Hang onto your old one so that you can entertain the kids.

      Friday, August 20, 2010

      UpToDate on Android

      It looks like there are many Android smartphone users who are looking for an UpToDate app. Unfortunately, UpToDate doesn't have an app for Android. They don't have an app for iPhone or BlackBerry either. Why? It's because you can access UpToDate via your mobile web browser. The site renders well on your mobile device after you log in.

      You can also try typing: http://mobile.uptodate.com

      This is what UpToDate has to say about online access via mobile device:

      Your web-enabled mobile device may be able to access UpToDate online at http://mobile.uptodate.com if your device supports HTML, cookies, and JavaScript. Not all devices or services are validated or supported.

      Here's what UpToDate has to say about iPhone and BlackBerry:

      Can I access UpToDate from my iPhone or BlackBerry?


      You can log in to UpToDate online using the Safari browser on your iPhone or the browser on your BlackBerry by going to the login page at http://mobile.uptodate.com. In addition, you can earn CME/CE credit through your use of UpToDate on your iPhone or BlackBerry. An installed version is not currently available for these devices.

      What about an institution license?

      Can I access UpToDate online on my mobile device through my institution's site license?


      If your institution has an UpToDate site license, you can access UpToDate online through a WIFI connection to the institution's system. Contact your institution's system administrator for instructions.

      Speaking of licensing, here are the details around Individual Subscriptions:

      * Best option for clinicians
      * Online access anytime, anywhere
      * DVD for installation on a computer and some mobile devices
      * CME/CE credit available

      1 year $395 $1.08 / day
      2 years $690 $0.95 / day
      3 years $999 $0.91 / day

      On my Android device, the UpToDate URL after I log in is:
       http://www.uptodate.com/online/content/search.do

      Do you access UpToDate on your smartphone?

      Thursday, August 19, 2010

      Tethering with PdaNet today (Android)

      I'm traveling, so I'm tethering with PdaNet on my Android smartphone. This little app allows me to get online with my laptop whenever I'm traveling. You don't need to wait for the Android 2.2 (Froyo) update to have the ability to tether with your Android smartphone.

      Doctors rely on iPhones to guide treatment

      Here's a great story illustrating how physicians are using the Apple iPhone at the point of care to improve patient outcomes. The story is titled, "Doctors rely on iPhones to guide treatment" and it was published earlier this month in MercuryNews.com (San Jose Mercury News)

      Here are some snippets from this article:

      The mother charged into the emergency room unannounced carrying her 8-year-old daughter, who was having seizures and couldn't breathe. As she placed the girl on a gurney, Dr. Kathy Corby instinctively reached for her iPhone.

      Dr. Joe Becker said medical apps play a critical role when he treats patients in India and Nepal as part of a global health fellowship through Stanford University. "I am not as familiar treating typhoid fever as I am heart attacks," said Becker, a faculty member at Stanford University's Department of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine.

      While medical reference information has long been available through the Internet on computers, physicians such as Corby say the ability to instantly access data in any situation and through one-touch technology is changing the way they practice medicine. Asked to choose between having a stethoscope or a smartphone, some doctors say they would choose the latter.

      You can read the complete story here on MercuryNews.com.

      Wednesday, August 18, 2010

      Share your mobile health story for the 2010 mHealth Conference

      I'm collecting unique case examples where physicians have used mobile devices like smartphones to improve patient care. I already have several great examples and I look forward to sharing some of them at the 2nd International mHealth Networking Conference in San Diego next month. My presentation is titled, "Technology and Medicine: Mobile Applications and Clinical Outcomes."

      If you'd like to share your story, please contact me by e-mail

      Upcoming Verizon Smartphones and Tablets (Android)

      According to this blog post on the Boy Genius Report, these are a few of the upcoming Verizon smartphones that we can expect to see in the near future:
      • Motorola Droid Pro (Android)
      • Droid 2 World Edition (Android)
      • Motorola Tablet (Android)
      Are you a world traveler? Maybe you attend some international symposia. In any case, if you need a Verizon phone that also switches to GSM mode when you leave the country, you will have some new options. I'm sure we'll also see several new smartphones from Samsung, LG, HTC, and others. I'm eager to see what the Motorola Tablet will look like.  Still no definitive word on the Verizon iPhone.

      Tuesday, August 17, 2010

      Residency Rater for the iPhone & iPod Touch

      The University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine has a great app for medical students.

      Residency Rater is designed for fourth year medical students entering family medicine. The app allows students to record impressions, strengths, and weaknesses of different residency programs.

      Users can select and rate each residency program on a scale of 1 to 5 in a wide variety of different criteria. Criteria are divided into categories including work environment, curriculum, clinical interests, residents, faculty, and technology.

      Features

      * Choose from an extensive list of Family Medicine Residency Programs
      * Rating criteria based on the American Academy of Family Physicians' "Strolling through the Match" checklist
      * Customizable criteria - add or delete criteria, select which criteria to make active/inactive
      * Double the weight of specific criteria
      * Enter you own notes
      * Generate reports and export data

      To learn more about residency rater and to download this free app, click here.

      Monday, August 16, 2010

      Texting improves medication adherence in teens with diabetes

      Here are some snippets from a story recently published on Healthcare IT News:

      Texting improves medication adherence in teens with diabetes

      COLUMBUS, OH – A small pilot study at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, found that sending text reminders to adolescent diabetes patients about their insulin treatments improved treatment adherence and blood glucose levels.Recognizing that text messaging was the primary mode of communication for her patients, Jennifer Dyer, MD, MPH, an endocrinologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital, developed the idea for the pilot as a way to help remind her teenage patients to take their insulin treatments.

      Studies have shown that adolescent patients have a greater difficulty adhering to treatment and medication activities than adults. Thus, there is a significant correlation between increased independence and decreased treatment adherence in adolescents. The rate of medication non-adherence among adolescent recipients is approximately four times higher than that among adult recipients.

      You can follow Dr. Dyer on Twitter @endogoddess

      Here's a little video titled, "Pilot Study Supports Adolescent Diabetes Patients through Personalized Text Messages."

      Save up to 50% on Lexi-Comp

      I received this coupon via e-mail from Lexi-Comp. I wanted to pass the savings to you, but  I don't know if the coupon will work for multiple customers. So, you'll just have to try it to see if it works.

      Enter promo code DEBNP at checkout to receive your discount!

      Purchase any Lexi-Comp subscription for your Smartphone/PDA and receive 25% off. Maximize your savings with a 3-year subscription. You'll save 50%.*

      Lexi-Comp provides content and performance you can rely on!
      • Consistently rated by users as the "best-performing and most preferred online drug information database."

      • Eight out of the top 10 hospitals in U.S. News & World Report's 2010-2011 Honor Roll ranking use Lexi-Comp's superior drug and clinical information.

      • Over 31,000 U.S. military clinicians rely on Lexi-Comp’s trusted drug information at military treatment facilities worldwide!
      * Purchase a 3-year subscription and save 50%. Based on receiving 25% off our standard 3-year subscription price.
      Offer expires August 20, 2010

      Click here to visit the Lexi-Comp web store.

      Friday, August 13, 2010

      Gray's Anatomy 2010 for iPhone

      Getting ready for gross anatomy? First year medical students will probably learn anatomy more effectively if they're using multimedia to enhance their education.

       
      Gray's Anatomy 2011 offers highly detailed anatomy images in the palm of your hand. Organized by a board certified surgeon and university professor, Gray's Anatomy 2011 is a true representation of how anatomy is taught in medical school. With hundreds of figures, this comprehensive and quick reference is a must have tool for any student of anatomy or any professional who needs the occasional reminder.

       
      Features
      • Navigate by Table of Contents, Anatomy Man, or Quick Search
      • Expandable fine detailed images
      • Free periodic updates
      • Themed anatomy man will be made available
      • OS4 compatible
      • iPad tested
      Click here for more information.

      Thursday, August 12, 2010

      Sequoia Capital Joins Forces with AirStrip Technologies

      Leading venture capital firm joins forces with remote patient monitoring innovator

      SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- AirStrip Technologies, a pioneer in mobile medical software development, announced today that it has closed a financing round with leading venture firm Sequoia Capital.

      "AirStrip Technologies has established itself as an innovator in remote patient monitoring via mobile devices. Mobility is a key component of healthcare reform, and AirStrip is positioned at the forefront of this medical technology and mobility revolution," said Scott Carter of Sequoia Capital. "The talented team of professionals at AirStrip is dedicated to improving patient safety in virtually every acute care setting through the use of their technology."

      You can read the full press release here.

      I'm getting the R2-D2 Droid 2 (Verizon Wireless)

      Those who know me well know that I'm a big Star Wars fan. So, when my wife heard that Motorola was going to release a limited-edition R2-D2 version of their new Droid 2 smartphone, she said, "you have to get one!"

      OK, you don't have to twist my arm to get me to buy an R2-D2 Droid 2. This phone is supposed to have "external hardware designed to look like R2-D2." What does that mean? Will it be white and blue? I can't wait to see it. Are you attending Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando?

      Here's what Verizon is saying about the R2-D2 Droid 2:

      R2-D2 DROID 2
      In honor of the iconic Astromech Droid from the Star Wars™ Saga, Verizon Wireless will offer a limited-edition R2-D2 version of the DROID 2, available only online in September. The special version of the phone will feature exclusive Star Wars content and external hardware designed to look like the trusty Droid from the film saga. Visitors to the upcoming Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Fla., can see a preview of the limited edition phone and sign up to receive alerts when the phone is ready for sale.

      Photo of the R2-D2 Droid 2

      Is this it? This photo appeared on Engadget.

      Wednesday, August 11, 2010

      Free Epocrates Essentials for U.S. medical students

      Epocrates is giving away Epocrates Essentials to U.S. Medical Students, but you have to act quickly because this offer ends on August 31.

      Here are the details:
      We are giving you Epocrates® Essentials* ($159 value) FREE. Our #1 premium mobile application offers the drug, disease, and diagnostic tools you need at the point-of-care. Act fast and tell your friends – it's free for the rest of August only!
      How do you get it? Follow the instructions posted here:
      http://www.epocrates.com/ma/FreeforMedicalStudents2010/

      *Epocrates Essentials is compatible with iPhone®/iPod® touch, BlackBerry®, Palm OS® and Windows® Mobile platforms.

      PLEASE NOTE: Medical students who activate the free Epocrates Essentials code must be attending an accredited United States medical school. Epocrates reserves the right to request a valid form of student identification for additional proof of enrollment.

      Tuesday, August 10, 2010

      15 Free Healthcare Apps for Google Android

      FierceMobileHealthcare has a nice list of 15 healthcare apps for Android smartphones. Can you guess which apps are on this list?

      1. Epocrates Rx
      2. Calculate by QxMD
      3. PubMed Mobile
      4. Skyscape Medical Resources
      5. Relief Central
      6. Mini Nurse - Lite
      7. Hospital Intel
      8. USA Graduate School: Medical
      9. National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines
      10. iTriage Mobile Health
      11. Heart Rate Monitor
      12. Glucose Meter
      13. MedPage Today Mobile
      14. Prescriber's Letter
      15. FierceMarkets

      This is a good list and I have most of these apps on my Android device. I'd also add QuantiaMD and Calorie Counter to the list. Also, Google Translate could be a very useful app if you're working in an area where patients don't always speak English.

      Do you miss the simplicity of the original Palm OS?

      Did you have a Palm Treo running Palm OS? Maybe you had a PDA like the Palm V or a Sony Clie. Do you miss the simplicity of the original Palm OS?

      As a I use different smartphones, I find myself often remembering how the original Palm OS was simple and elegant - perfect for low-tech physicians who tend to be late adopters of technology. I was mainly a Windows Mobile (Pocket PC) user because I didn't care about the simplicity of Palm OS. I needed a PDA that functioned like a PC. I was multitasking all the time.

      As I test and use iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, and webOS, I find myself thinking back to those Palm OS days. Those old Palm OS devices were meant to be used with a stylus. Today's smartphones are being built around finger touch input/navigation. The simplicity is returning because we need large icons that we can tap with our fingers. There was no multitouch concept when we were using a passive stylus on our small digital screens. Now, our finger tips act as capacitors, allowing us to input text, navigate on a web page, and control the device through creative two-finger gestures.

      What will future smartphones be like? They will incorporate touch-screens, but they will also heavily rely on voice recognition and voice commands. I wonder how long we'll need to wait before that type of voice input becomes the "standard."

      Monday, August 09, 2010

      Pandora smartphone app (Internet radio)

      If you enjoy listening to internet radio on your smartphone, then you'll love Pandora. I use Pandora to listen to music in my car and to listen to music when I'm at the gym. Free internet radio! There's a Pandora smartphone app for every major smartphone OS.
      Now you can listen to Pandora on your mobile phone - in the car, at the gym, on the train - wherever and whenever you're in the mood to listen to great music.

      Enjoy all the stations you've created on the web - and create new ones right from your mobile phone. You can also rate songs using thumbs up and thumbs down, and bookmark favorite artists and songs. Pandora on your phone is fully integrated with Pandora on the web, so everything you create, rate or bookmark on the phone also appears the next time you're back on the web.
      You can learn more by visiting: http://www.pandora.com/on-the-go/

      Saturday, August 07, 2010

      Motorola Droid 2 launching August 12

      The Motorola Droid 2 running Android 2.2 (Froyo) will be launching on August 12 on the Verizon Wireless network. I wonder what that will do the price of the original Motorola Droid. Could this be a good time for medical students and residents to upgrade (since you're probably on a limited budget)?

      Friday, August 06, 2010

      200,000 Android units activated each day

      According to some recent news, there are 200,000 Android units that are being activated by Google each day. Back in June, Google was activating 160,000 Android units each day. It's incredible to see how rapidly Android is growing in the smartphone market. It's no surprise, given the fact that we now have so many different Android smartphone options (ranging from inexpensive $50 smartphones to powerhouse $200 devices). I know several people who recently switched to Android. Previously, they were using BlackBerry, Palm OS, or Windows Mobile.

      PdaNet -- USB Tether/Bluetooth DUN for Android

      If you'd like to use your Android smartphone as a 3G wireless modem for your laptop or tablet PC (or desktop), then PdaNet can make that happen quickly and easily. This software allows you to easily tether your Android smartphone to your PC so that you can get online. The nice thing about PdaNet is that you can tether either by using the USB cable or via Bluetooth.

      I've used PdaNet on Palm OS (Treo).
      I've also used PdaNet on Windows Mobile.
      I'm now using PdaNet on Android.

      You can also get PdaNet for iPhone or BlackBerry. So can you tether with your smartphone?

      Thursday, August 05, 2010

      Android 2.2 Froyo update being rolled out

      If you're using an Android smartphone, you may soon receive the update to Android 2.2 (also known as Froyo). If you're an early adopter and you don't want to wait for the official update, then you can probably find a custom ROM that someone's cooked for you that includes Android 2.2.

      If you have the HTC Evo 4G on Sprint, you can get the update here:
      http://www.htc.com/us/support/evo-sprint/downloads/

      If you have the Motorola Droid on Verizon, you'll need to wait as Verizon rolls out this update in batches. You can learn more here:
      http://support.vzw.com/information/droid_upgrade.html

      I hope that all other Android smartphones will soon get the 2.2 update.

      BlackBerry Torch 9800 (touch screen plus slider)

      The BlackBerry Torch 9800 is the first BlackBerry that will combine the best of both worlds: a touch screen plus a hardware QWERTY keyboard that slides out. We all knew this was coming. The Torch is a slider. That's right, this is the first BlackBerry slider (and I doubt that it will be the last). The Torch combines some of the best features found on the Storm with the rest of the BlackBerry family of smartphones.

      The Torch is 0.57" thick and it has a 3.2" touch screen display.  How much memory does it have? 512 MB flash memory / 512 MB SDRAM. The Torch uses the same 624-MHz Marvell processor that's found in the BlackBerry Bold.

      Here in the United States, the Torch will be a GSM smartphone that will be offered on the AT&T network. So, if your hospital infrastructure is set up so that you're limited to the BlackBerry line of smartphones, then go with the Torch 9800. If I had to get a BlackBerry today, this is the one I'd get.