ClinicalXpert

Next up in PDA software comes ClinicalXpert which hails from the Thompson Micromedex Healthcare Series. Information on other Thompson products, including the web-based Micromedex can be found at:

http://www.micromedex.com

ClinicalXpert is free to those in an institution with a subscription to the Micromedex Healthcare Series, which includes many hospitals and clinics. It may be downloaded onto a PocketPC or PalmOS (3.5 or later) system and may run from PalmOS memory expansion cards. This program does not run on the iPhone or Blackberry but may run on a few select Smartphones. The complete list of compatible devices can be found here:

http://www.micromedex.com/support/certifieddevices/index.html

The amount of memory is takes to upload the product is variable since it comes with many optional programs. The program also has an Auto-Update feature which allows current users to get the most updated version of the software as soon as it's available. This enables users to keep the same program without having to delete and reload a new version each year.

Some of the products available include:

Drug Information
Users can search 4,000+ drugs and 300+ alternative drugs for

• generic names
• common trade names
• class
• dosage, adult
• dosage, pediatric
• dose adjustments
• administration
• monitoring
• how supplied
• indications (separated
by “FDA labeled” and
“non-FDA labeled”)
• contraindications
• precautions
• adverse effects (separated into
“common” and “serious”)
• drug interactions
• pregnancy category
• breast feeding

Disease Information
Disease topics written by physicians for clinical
practice including:

• evidence ratings
• test and treatment options
• daily studies and alerts

Drug Interaction Tool
Clinicians can check a patient’s entire list of medications
(up to 32 at once) for potentially harmful interactions.

Warnings include:
• severity • probable mechanism
• onset • evidence
• adverse effects • clinical management

Toxicology Information (very unique!!)
200+ of the most common poisonings and
drug overdoses, including information about:

• clinical effects
• treatment
• range of toxicity

Laboratory Information (Very useful, although sometimes difficult to search)
Details on 500+ laboratory tests, including help:

• identifying appropriate tests
• interpreting test results
• monitoring drug levels
• collecting samples
• submitting tests
• monitoring therapeutic levels and side effects

Also includes formulary information, calculators and a news feature similar to those seen in other programs.