There are many medical software applications available for PDAs for FREE. A list of some of the most useful one are shown below:

1. Epocrates Rx (http://www.epocrates.com/). This regularly updated medication database’s free basic functions include adult and pediatric dosing, contraindications, adverse effects, pricing, formularies and more. Its multicheck function, allowing cross-checking of interactions among up to 30 medications, is especially useful. With yearly subscription upgrade, you will get a whole lot of features that are very useful for clinicians. (more…)

It is a very common question because now PDA are also available built-into your mobile phone. After you decide whether to get a separate PDA or Smart mobile (with PDA built-in), you need to decide which operating system – Palm OS or Pocket PC or EPOC. Fortunately, in US, we only have to worry about Palm OS or Pocket PC because these two operating systems are used the most. Which one is better is a question for debate. There are software applications that works best for Palm and some are geared towards Palm OS. But for medical purposes, Palm OS is more stable and a lot more free applications available for Palm OS compared to Pocket PC. (more…)

Living Wills and Their Variations: A Simple Introduction
 
E.L. Erde, Ph. D., Professor, UMDNJ-SOM, Department of Family Medicine
Stratford, NJ 08084
erdeel@umdnj.edu

People use Living Wills or Advance Directives to direct their medical care when they become unable to do it for themselves. The purpose is to avoid conflicts, confusion, and lack of information about the patient’s preferences when a crisis arises. The Living Will can (1) guide the care, (2) name someone to substitute for you in decision making or (3) both.  The substitute decision maker is called “a proxy decision maker.” (more…)