To keep you updated on the go, our ‘app of the month’ highlights one free informational app every month!
Our complete grading criteria for evidence and usability are embedded in the review.
Please note that the reviewers are not healthcare professionals, and so cannot appraise the quality of any recommendations within the app. The reviews are not endorsements.
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Epocrates
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Image Source: Epocrates, iTunes. Retrieved on January 19, 2018 from https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/epocrates-medical-references/id281935788?mt=8
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App developer |
Epocrates, Inc. |
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Contact |
Comments and suggestions: |
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Devices |
iPhone, iPad and iPod touch Android OS 4.0 and up |
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Country of origin |
United States |
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Size |
127 MB |
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Specialties/ |
No specific specialty listed |
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Comments |
Clinicians and other health care professionals |
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Stated Purpose |
According to the description in the App Store, the free version of Epocrates allows users to: • Review drug prescribing and safety information for thousands of brand, generic, and OTC drugs (from https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/ahs-ems-medical-control-protocols/id413312484?mt=8) |
| Notes | None |
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Part 1: Editorial committee, content updates, and evidence grading |
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No information on the editorial committee for clinical content in Epocrates Dx (free version) is provided. Names of content editors for Epocrates Lab (paid upgrade feature) are listed. The app’s content is updated on a continuous basis. The user is given the option to “Update” or refresh the content |
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Part 2: Source and authorship information for 3 entries |
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Tylenol Arthritis Pain links to Alternatives & Drug Interactions (separate sections of the app); Diabetes Type Predictor TreeCalc contains links to source PubMed citations at bottom of entry; Influenza Antiviral Chemoprophylaxis: 2017-2018 CDC/ACIP Recommendations – Epocrates Guideline Synopsis contains link to original CDC source provided in “Resources” tab. No author information with any of the entries. |
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Organization of information |
Categorization clearly defined, organized, efficient, and intuitive. |
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Navigation
Extras
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App’s navigation is simple and uncomplicated. Hierarchy of information is easy to navigate. Entries themselves (depending on the category of information) are well organized, and related external links are easily accessible. Guidelines, calculators, and tables also have simple, intuitive design/navigation. Each category is sub-divided making it easy to locate desired information. Customization options are dependent on the type of entry. Drug Rx entries are given the options to: “Add to Interaction Check”, “Add to Favorites”, “Add a Note”. Table entries also offer to “Add to Favorites” and “Add a Note”. Customizations are not offered for Guidelines and Calculator entries. |
Internet connection required for use: Yes; Text search field: Yes; Browsable content: Yes; Advertisements: No; Pop-up advertisements: No; In-app purchases: Yes
App has a devoted section to calculators. Organized into the categories: “Dosing Calculator”, ‘Dose Driven IV-Drip Rate Calculator”, “By Specialty/Category”, “Medical Equations”, “Clinical Criteria”, “Decision Trees”, “Units and & Dose Converters”. Drug classes; prescriptions.
