Converting to iPhone - must-have apps?

[Dr Fleischman]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I'm starting my 4th year next month with an audition rotation at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH in the ER (I'm HPSP AF). I also am planning on purchasing an iPhone 4 on June 24th or sometime thereafter, before my July rotation. Since I plan on going into EM, I may as well get all the apps I'll need right away. I scanned the EM board, read that excellent thread on iPhones, but from it was unable to exactly tell what were the must-have apps for EM students/residents/docs on the iPhone.

So my question is, what are the apps I should be getting for EM? Another, more technical question is, do apps take up a lot of hard drive? I would like to get the $199 iPhone if possible, I think it's 16 GB, but if apps take up a lot of space I'll pay the extra for double the space.

I apologize if somewhere in the vast universe of studentdoctor.net this thread already exists, and I won't mind being shown the way there if someone would like to do that. However, I'd love to hear what you think I should be owning, and if you have the time, a few words about the app(s).

Thanks, guys.

Jake

 

[Phlame217]

the space is up to you, i currently have the 8 and its plenty. I only have 100 or so songs, some pics, and alot of apps and only use about 2/3 of the memory. I too will be upgrading to the 16 gig iPhone 4 on the 24th.

As far as apps, the two staple apps are Lexi-Comp and Epocrates. Epocrates has a free version with optional add ins that cost. Lexi has many different apps, but the Comp (standing for Complete) has it all. Both update regularly with weekly and sometimes daily updates as drug information updates, dosage recomendations change, etc.

There are some other apps out there, but those two are staples. BTW Lexi-Comp costs and arm and a leg (same price as the phone itself) so though piracy is wrong, I recommend jailbreaking and exploring your options. PM me if needed.

 

[opb]

I haven't used Lexi-Comp, but I agree with Epocrates (especially since it's free). Also, Medscape is pretty good as well, and it's also free. Another useful (possibly) app is MedCalc (free). Epocrates has some calculations and formulas, but MedCalc has way more. Those are the three I have on my Iphone.

 

[docB]

Med Calc
Medscape

I like one called PediStat which is a paid app (I think it was $3)

I use Epocrates a lot but I have some problems with the program (it's slow) and the company as I mentioned in the other thread.

 

[hurricanemd]

epocrates
Pedi safe - pre-calculated peds drug doses for RSI, resuss. Includes ETT size, depth, chest tube size, etc. $2.00
Mediquations or Med Calc
EMRA Abx guide
Random eyes - snellen eye chart that you can randomize
Med Spanish - common medical phrases

 

[Jeff698]

I'm looking at my iPhone screen-o-medical apps and here's what I see:

PEPID (use multiple times a shift and feel naked without)
Mediquations
Medscape
EMRA ABX guide
OBWheel (use alot)
Epocrates (the free one, haven't used in a long time)
ABG
Converter (for all units, not just stuff I use in the ED... I ran 2 miles, how many *** was that?)
Emed Mobile for CME
Eponyms
Sedation (awesome app, much recommended!)
Guitar Hero (somehow made it's way onto the med app screen...I should do something about that).

PEPID, IMHO, is well worth the money. Especially if you have a CME account. 🙂

Take care,
Jeff

 

[rockmd]

Check out this one -- Pocket Derm.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocket-derm/id389496059?mt=8#

I actually just got this earlier today. A bit niche, but could definitely see myself using it regularly in the hospital.

 

[napster]

I also use PEPID. Highly recommended.

 

[Cerberus]

I use Pepid toxicology because it was free. Pepid itself was pretty nice but way too expensive.

 

[Cerberus]

I'm curious, those of you who are members of EMRA, were you able to get the abx guide free or discounted through your membership? 16$ is kind of steep for an abx application.

 

[DrMars]

I'm curious, those of you who are members of EMRA, were you able to get the abx guide free or discounted through your membership? 16$ is kind of steep for an abx application.

As far as I know we have to pay too. I got a packet of members stuff the other day in the mail and in it there was an ad for the abx app. Same price as app store if I remember correctly but I can't seem to find the ad to double check...

I wish there was a way to get a discount though because I have heard from several residents that a great resource. If anyone knows how to get a discount, if there is one, please let us know.

Thanks

 

[nymbarra]

Check out this one -- Pocket Derm.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocket-derm/id389496059?mt=8#

I actually just got this earlier today. A bit niche, but could definitely see myself using it regularly in the hospital.

I just downloaded this app and it is pretty basic. It has a list of about 50 rashes with some good photos, but essentially little clinically-relevant information. Not even any HPI, ddx, or treatment information. I don't think it will be very useful in the ED.

Is there a derm app that has diagnostic algorithms to use, like if it is vesiculobullous then does the patient look sick or not? is the rash peripheral or central? And based on the algorithm it points you towards the more likely diagnoses? That would be helpful.

Thanks for the list of apps. Medscape is pretty awesome as is MedCalc.

 

[njac]

PediSafe has totally eliminated any of my PALS anxiety. I <3 it like whoa.

(fresh off PICU)

 

[Dr Fleischman]

Got the iPhone yesterday. I love it. So far I have downloaded MedCalc, Epocrates (free), EMRA ABx (9.99 right now for the newest version just released), and one called Sports Injury Clinic, which was free. My wife and I run and our knees have been hurting (ITBS) so I got it. I also am interested in a Sports Medicine fellowship following training.

I think some of the other ones mentioned I'll get later on when I have some money. The iPhone with the bundle and plan puts a dent in the finances!

Jake

 

[zeitgeber]

I like EM Suite... it's got a ton of useful tools in one: ACLS/PALS protocols, infusion and transfusion calculators, multiple other calculators, etc...

 

[Grady baby]

As a resident, the EM app I use the most is 10 Second EM. This has all the little things that I tend to forget in one place.

For $1.99, but well worth it.

 

[Dr Fleischman]

I'm doing a month of infectious disease, and EMRA's Antibx guide has been awesome so far. It suggests everything my preceptor says he would use, although sometimes he disagrees with the number of days of treatment it suggests. But he says most non-ID docs overtreat, anyways.

Jake

 

[jbar]

PediSafe has totally eliminated any of my PALS anxiety. I <3 it like whoa.

(fresh off PICU)

That's for the ipad, is there something similar for the phone? (Wish I had noticed before I bought it.)

 

[docB]

That's for the ipad, is there something similar for the phone? (Wish I had noticed before I bought it.)

I use something called Pedistat which is $3 through the app store. It's pretty good. It's worth the $3. It's like a Brasslow in your pocket.

 

[docB]

It's like a Brasslow in your pocket.

Why do I suddenly hear The Pretenders?🙄 Totally unintentional.

 

[Apollyon]

Why do I suddenly hear The Pretenders?🙄 Totally unintentional.

I don't know, considering it's Broselow!

And if you have "bross" in pocket...well, I don't want to hear about it! (Or whether you're going to use it. You are NOT special! Well, maybe a little.)

 

[njac]

That's for the ipad, is there something similar for the phone? (Wish I had noticed before I bought it.)

hmm, I have had zero issues with it on the iphone.

 

[docB]

I don't know, considering it's Broselow!

And if you have "bross" in pocket...well, I don't want to hear about it! (Or whether you're going to use it. You are NOT special! Well, maybe a little.)

It was still close enough for me.

 

[ermedstudent]

I use Pepid toxicology because it was free. Pepid itself was pretty nice but way too expensive.

emra offers a discount for the full version of pepid... a bunch of my friends and i got it a couple months ago for 50% off through them. it's amazing... i seriously don't know what i would do without my pepid. it's definately worth the money.

 

[roja]

Just a different view: I have had an iphone for 2 plus years and am ditching it, finally. I don't have much use for apps (I can find almost anything I need online), other than cool geek factor....

The ATT service is horrific. HORRIFIC. dropped calls, no service, poor 3G. ugh. I can't wait to ditch the thing.

 

[docB]

Just a different view: I have had an iphone for 2 plus years and am ditching it, finally. I don't have much use for apps (I can find almost anything I need online), other than cool geek factor....

The ATT service is horrific. HORRIFIC. dropped calls, no service, poor 3G. ugh. I can't wait to ditch the thing.

Agree re ATT. But Apple announced a new product for Verizon and iPhones soon to come. This is apparently more than the rumors that have been floating around for years.

 

[pseudoknot]

Just a different view: I have had an iphone for 2 plus years and am ditching it, finally. I don't have much use for apps (I can find almost anything I need online), other than cool geek factor....

The ATT service is horrific. HORRIFIC. dropped calls, no service, poor 3G. ugh. I can't wait to ditch the thing.

AT&T's service is far, far worse in Northern California than other parts of the county. In LA it's actually pretty good, and in Richmond it's adequate to good. However, I don't see how they can even claim to offer service in SF or the East Bay based on what I've experienced in the past month.

 

[Pepidmed]

emra offers a discount for the full version of pepid... a bunch of my friends and i got it a couple months ago for 50% off through them. it's amazing... i seriously don't know what i would do without my pepid. it's definately worth the money.

Thanks for the good word about PEPID. PEPID just released a beta testing of its new iPad apps. If anyone would like to participate in the beta testing they can go to here: http://www.pepid.com/iPad-medical-apps/ > You dont even need an account to do the testing. So tell anyone you know that has an iPad.

Thanks Tim🙂

 

[roja]

Agree re ATT. But Apple announced a new product for Verizon and iPhones soon to come. This is apparently more than the rumors that have been floating around for years.

I have heard that for the last year. I"m not banking on it.

Plus with the crappy battery life (and not being able to have an extra battery), horrible service in general... I am considering goign for a droid.

 

[jbar]

They do sell external batteries for the iphone.

http://www.ismashphone.com/2010/08/worlds-thinnest-iphone-4-external-battery.html

haven't tried one but there are multiple brands doing similar things

 

[roja]

Its really more the ATT service. The verizon thing has been promised for a long time and I am not banking on it. Plus it will only be 3G as there is some compatibility thing with 4G, iPhone and verizon.

I actually love the iphone itself (I compensate for the battery thing as nothing is perfect) but I just can't tolerate ATT any more.