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Smartphone Applications for Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review in Three Platforms
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Journal of Health & Medical Informatics

ISSN: 2157-7420

Open Access

Research Article - (2021) Volume 12, Issue 10

Smartphone Applications for Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review in Three Platforms

Raja D, Elmutaz Belah Mohammed, Mohamed Elfatih Ali, Manju Rosy Jose, Bijin Kurian, Solomon Reji, Aseem Veeves Singh and Anand Vijaya Kumar*
*Correspondence: Anand Vijaya Kumar, Department of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India, Tel: 9443181573, Email:
Department of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India

Received: 15-Sep-2021 Published: 30-Oct-2021 , DOI: 10.37421/2157-7420.2021.12.387
Citation: Kumar, Anand Vijaya, Raja D, Elmutaz Belah Mohammed, and Mohamed Elfatih Ali, et al. “Smartphone Applications for Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review in Three Platforms.” J Health Med Informat 12 (2021): 387.
Copyright: © 2021 Raja D, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Abstract

In the last few years there has been increased utilization of smartphone technology by general public as well as healthcare professionals. One of the key features for increasing usage of smartphones is the ability to use applications, commonly termed as Apps. The present study aims to find out the available healthcare apps in three platforms (Android, Windows, iOS) and classify them. In addition, we examine the availability of app for drug and poison information centre to provide drug and poison information services. We performed a broad search for healthcare apps in three main platforms (Android, Windows, iOS), during 29/June/2016 to 31/December/2016 considering predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The available healthcare apps were categorized, based on their fundamental function into six categories; Drug information, Disease information and management, Drug interactions, Prescription manager, Multifunctional apps, and apps for Drug and poison information centre. Comprehensive review that includes description, logo, platform, download size, rating and cost of 277 included apps from a total of 9178 identified healthcare apps was prepared. Further this systematic and comprehensive review process in main three platforms shows there is no app for drug and poison information centre to provide drug and poison information service.

Keywords

Smartphone apps • Healthcare apps • Android • Windows • Ios • Drug and poison information centre • Classification of health care apps

Introduction

In the last few years there has been increased utilization of smartphone technology by general public as well as healthcare professional. Now smartphones have totally replaced the functionality of a pager, cell phone and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) [1]. In the early years of telephoning and computing, Nikola Tesla and Theodore Paraskevakoc in the year 1909 and 1971 came forward with a device that has the combination of both telephony and computing. The computer dealer’s exhibition (COMDEX) in 1992 showcased IBM’s prototype device named “ANGLER”, first mobile phone with PDA features that allowed the user to make and receive telephone calls, facsimiles and emails. The prototype had many PDA features including a calendar, address book and notepad along with many interesting features such as maps, stocks news, etc. Bellsouth executives introduced “Simon personal communicator” in the market for public use in August 1994. Although the term “smartphone” was not coined until 1995, Simon’s features and capabilities enables to refer it as a first smartphone [2]. Ericsson R380 by Ericsson mobile communication of the early 2000s was the first mobile device termed as “Smartphone” [3].

Smartphones and platforms

Smartphones are essentially cell phone with advanced technology and computing capability. US federal communications commission defines smartphones as mobile devices with cell phone capability having an HTML, browser that allows easy access to open internet; an operating system that provides a standardized interface and platform for application developers; a larger screen size than a traditional handset and touch screens/and or a QWERTY keypad.

Smartphones function on an operating system (OS) that is specially designed to support running third party applications. Six major smartphone OS platforms are Symbian OS, Palm OS, Windows, Blackberry, IOS and Android. In the span of few years, by providing detailed and accurate information the smartphones have explored to their limits [4].

Applications

One of the key features for increasing usage of smartphones is the ability to use applications, commonly termed as Apps. Apps pre-installed or downloadable are applications software that runs on smartphones or tablet devices, developed by third party who can be an individual developer or an organization [1,4].

Owing to half of the healthcare practitioners having smart phones use apps in their day to day practice, there are wide range of healthcare apps providing extensive information to support clinical decision-making and better patient care. Today, healthcare apps have better usage comparing any other source of information and benefitted healthcare professionals due to quicker access to information [1,4].

Drug and poison information centre

Drug and Poison Information Centres (DIC) are the places where registered pharmacists provide any drug related information to healthcare professionals and public for better patient care. The services include collecting, reviewing, evaluating, indexing and distributing information on drugs to health care workers; by accessing to clinical experiences, libraries, research facilities and educational materials.

The main function of Drug and Poison Information Centre is to provide written and/or verbal information or advice related to drugs or therapy to health care providers, organizations, committees, patients and to public in response to their query to help better patient care by all means. WHO supports independent drug and poison information centres as a core component of national programs to promote better healthcare to all [5,6].

The present study aims to find out the available healthcare apps in three platforms (Android, Windows, iOS) and classify them. In addition, we examine the availability of an app for drug and poison information centre to provide drug and poison information services.

Methodology

We performed a broad search for healthcare apps in three main platforms (Android, Windows, iOS), during 29/June/2016 to 31/ December/2016.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Two steps selection process was adapted. First step involves the listing of all available apps from the three platforms followed by narrowing down the number of apps.

The apps available under category medical (iOS), health + fitness (Windows), medical (Android), were selected. From this list the apps of the following nature: Workouts, BP measurement, Calorie monitoring, fitness, yoga, ECG view, heart beat rate monitoring, heart sounds, surgical procedure, radiology assistant, vision test, cosmetics, pregnancy guide, dose calculator, IV infusion rate calculator, dental care, human anatomy atlas, hearing check, sleep analysis or aid, blood glucose monitoring, smoking cessation, stress measurement or management, clinical communication, pulse oximeter, body height and weight measurement (fat percentage, BMI, lean body mass), medical dictionary, diagnosis dictionary, medical lectures, blood group detector, acupressure tips, consult doctor, medical abbreviation, lab values, baby care, antimicrobial manual, language therapy, medical handbooks, menstrual calendar, journal club, nutrition checker, medical news, reproductive health, traditional/alternative medicine, apps for medical representatives, drug quiz, were excluded.

Apps were included if they contained information or tools concerned with drug safety, drug information, contraindication, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic, disease information and management, drug interactions, apps for drug and poison information centre, therapeutic information and medication reminder. Among them apps in IOS with content rating less than 10+ and Android apps of total downloads less than 500 were excluded.

The available healthcare apps were categorized based on their fundamental function into six categories. The description, download size, rating, and cost of individual apps were collected from individual app description or associated webpage [7-9].

Results and Discussion

The flow diagram of the review process is shown in Figure 1. One hundred and twenty-four (44.77%) apps were available in Google Play store, whilst twenty-seven (9.74%) apps were available in Microsoft store (Windows Phone Apps), and one hundred and twenty-six (45.49%) apps were available in iOS (Apple Store). Healthcare apps available both in offline and online in various platforms are represented in Figure 2. The comprehensive review of these healthcare apps is given in Table 1.

health-medical-informatics-healthcare

Figure 1. Flow process of the review of healthcare Apps.

health-medical-informatics-platforms

Figure 2. Healthcare Apps available in various platforms.

Table 1: The comprehensive review of healthcare apps - 2016 status.

S.No Healthcare Apps Description Logo Platform Download Sizea Ratingb Cost
1. 1 mg-Save on Medicine/Lab Tests 1 mg provides drug information, health information, medicine substitutes, medicine ordering. Enable to book lab tests. Also empowers to compare the drugs by prices image Android 10 MB 4.2 Free
  1mg     Windows 2 MB 4.3 Free
2. 21 Children Health Issues That Every Parent Must Know This app guides the user to prepare for situations like fever, flu, cold, allergies, migraine, motion sickness, etc image iOS 84.5 MB 12+ 190 INR
3. Abbott Brand Info This application provides the user with an easy access to complete prescribing information on all 300 + Abbott brands image Android 6.16 MB 4.5 Free
4. ACT for Meningitis App meant to raise awareness and educate society about sign and symptoms of meningitis image iOS 11.9 MB 12+ Free
5. AIDS Directory This app covers definitions, sign and symptoms of AIDS and related terms, causes, precaution to avoid disease. Works Offline image iOS 2.7 MB 12+ 60 INR
6. AIDSinfo Drug Database Access to information about drugs approved to treat HIV infection, drugs used to treat other infections or diseases common to people living with HIV. Also provides information on HIV/AIDS-related drugs that are being studied in clinical trials. Works offline image Android 3.7 MB 4 Free
7. Alzheimer’s The app helps HCP and physicians for care of patient with Alzheimer disease at the point of care. It provides latest information on detection, diagnosis and management of Alzheimer disease image iOS 124 MB 12+ Free
Disease Pocket
Card
8. Anesthesia Drug Box This app contains information over 150 drugs that are commonly used in the field of anaesthesia image iOS 9.5 MB 12+ 670 INR
9. Antibiotics pocket Its contain antibiotic regimen of broad range of infection, information for treatment of multi drugs resistance organisms, drug administration including dose, cost, bioavailability, elimination and common side effects image iOS 47 MB 12+ 300 INR
10. Antibiotic Therapy Free Provides overview and treatment of common human infections image Android 0.96 MB 4 Free
11. Antibiotics and infection App provides information regarding anti-bacterial agents and their use in bacterial infections. Information available are available forms, anti-bacterial spectra, indications & adverse effects, the first line antibiotics, alternatives available, and their dosages and durations image Android 3.8 MB 4 Free
Antibiotics & Infections image 3.8 MB 4 265.60 INR
12. Antimicrobial Companion It contains primary care guidance on antimicrobial prescribing from public health England. A content management tool enables boards to customize this guidance to local needs if required. A decision aid for antimicrobial prescribing for urinary tract infections image iOS 68.5 MB 12+ Free
13. Arthiritis Symptoms and Suggested Treatment This app provides information for the symptoms and treatment of rheumatoid arthiritis image iOS 66.8 MB 12+ 190 INR
14. Assist UK – Drug Interactions Checker & Warnings The app offers complete prescribing information for all medicines. Flagged alert on drug- drug interaction and warning. Work offline image iOS 43.7 MB 12+ Free
15. Asthma @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of asthma to improve patient outcome image iOS 13 MB 12+ Free
16. Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms App provides information on causes, symptoms and treatments of bacterial vaginosis image Android 2.4 MB 4.1 Free
17. Breast cancer @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of Breast cancer to improve patient outcome image iOS 15.9 MB 12+ Free
18. Canadian Drug pocket Its provide residence physicians and other health care professionals with important pharmacological data image iOS 29.7 MB 12+ 300 INR
19. Cancer 101 Treatment Comprehensive overview on the symptoms and treatment of cancer image Android 6.10 MB 4.2 Free
20. Cancers! The Guide to Breast, Lung, Prostate Cancer Science, Therapy, Diagnosis, Treatment, Update & Glossary Handbook Helps learning more about the cancer in different organs with their therapy image iOS 8.4 MB 12+ Free
21. Cardiology pocket Overview of the current approaches to diagnosis and treatment of heart and cardiovascular diseases image iOS 59.6 MB 12+ 620 INR
22. CareZone Helps to keep a single list of medications, dosages, refill information and prescribing documents image Android 33.74 MB 4.4 Free
23. CheapestMedicine Help for searching the generic drug with cheapest price image Android 1.6 MB 3.3 Free
24. Chicken Pox Remedies – Symptoms & Treatment The app provides information on signs, symptoms and treatment of Chicken Pox image iOS 70.1 MB 12+ 190 INR
25. Chemo Aid This app assists patients who may be using the penguin cold caps technology to reduce hair loss from chemotherapy. It allows the user to set the date of each chemo treatment, and then it will schedule all the cold cap related events and prompt on the iOS device. This avoids using a conventional egg timer to time the 30+ events associated with each chemo treatment. Chemo aid helps to manage the medications associated with treatment. Each medication can be added, along with the associated schedule. Schedules can be general (as in daily, weekly, etc) or tied directly to the start of chemo treatment. All scheduled medications are added to the calendar, which generates an alert for each medication at the time and date when it is taken. image iOS 17.4 MB 12+ 120 INR
26. Children’s Health Pocket The app provides medical information on common and rare diseases and medical conditions and immunizations for the children image iOS 137 MB 12+ 190 INR
27. Chronic Diseases Available is the information on Chronic diseases, their causes, symptoms, prevention, control and treatment image iOS 42.8 MB 12+ Free
28. CIMS India Provides drug information, medical calculators, News & Continuing Medical Education image Android 8.9 MB 3.9 Free
29. Clinical Pharmacology Clinical Pharmacology offers answers to all drug questions. Furthermore, to find the precise drug information allow search by drug name, indication, contraindication or adverse reaction. Evidence supported clinical algorithms to identify drug interactions or adverse reactions. Also help in identifying pills image Android 5.2 MB 3.9 Requires Individual or Institutional Subscription
30. Clinical Sense Clinical Sense consists of a series of scenarios to test the clinical judgement of the user (Physician) image Android 8.4 MB 4.5 Free
In this app, the user assumes the role of a physician who has to navigate through plethora of tricky situations, each having multiple decisions with very different outcomes
 
 
31. Clinicalkey Helps rapid access of evidence based information in diagnosis and treatment image Android 4.08 MB 4.2 Requires Individual or Institutional Subscription
iOS 13.1 MB 12+
32. Clinicians Drug Reference 2011 App provides information on more than one thousand of the most commonly used medicines image Android 3.8 MB 3.8 Free
33. COPD @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of COPD to improve patient outcome image iOS 13.1 MB 12+ Free
34. DailyRounds Doctor’s CME&Cases Daily Rounds presents clinical cases that are curated by a team of Doctors image Android 9.9 MB 4.7 Free
35. Davis’s Drug Guide 2015 Davis’s Drug Guide delivers information on over 5,000 trade name and generic drugs. Each monograph, with its focus on safety, includes details on pharmacokinetics, dosing, side effects, interactions, assessment etc image Windows 2.85 MB 4 Free preview & subscription
36. Davis's Drug Guide Davis’s Drug Guide delivers information on over 5,000 trade name and generic drugs. Each monograph, with its focus on safety, includes details on pharmacokinetics, dosing, side effects, interactions, assessment etc image Android 4.73 MB 4 Free preview & subscription
37. Dermatology A-Z It provides insights on diseases affecting skin, hair and nails, and the latest medical and cosmetic treatment image iOS 7.1 MB 12+ Free
38. Diabetes @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of diabetes to improve patient outcome image iOS 11.6 MB 12+ Free
39. Diabetes Clinical Care It contains information on the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease image iOS 40.6 MB 12+ Free
40. Diabetes Drugs Dictionary Provides information on diabetes drugs image Android 1.13 MB 4.2 Free
41. Diabetes Mellitus Pocket It includes treatment protocols for inpatient and outpatient diabetes management image iOS 30.6 MB 12+ 620 INR
42. Diabetes Pilot Pro It is an app for managing diabetes image iOS 12.9 MB 12+ Free for one week, Subscription
43. Diabetes Treatment Provide information about diabetes treatment. Covers the symptoms and treatment of diabetes image Android 6.1 MB 4.7 Free
44. Diagnosis & Therapy: The Pro Symptom Checker & Tracker for Physical, Occupational, Speech ddx & Blood Test Guide FREE! The app discusses the most important topics in medical diagnosis and therapy and is ideal for medical professionals, interns, medical students image iOS 8.8 MB 12+ Free
45. Dictionary Diseases&Disorders Provides information on symptoms, disease and treatment. Works offline image Android 33.41 MB 4.5 Free
46. Digestive Disorders: Facts on Food Biology of Digestion & Nutrition System Anatomy Health Tips 1000! The app discusses the most important topics in digestive disorders meant for medical professionals image iOS 8.6 MB 12+ Free
47. Digital Drug Index It provides information regarding generic drugs based on structured index image Android 1.8 MB 4.2 Free
48. DIMS Drug Information Management system is the mobile drug index app for instant clinical drug information references image Android 11 MB 4.6 Free
49. Diseases Dictionary Medical Offers detailed description of major medical conditions and treatments. Works offline image Android 5.81 MB 4.6 Free
Diseases Dictionary Offline: FREE
iOS 16.4 MB 17+ Free
50. Disease Dictionary It contains medical disorders and disease with definitions, symptoms, causes and treatment information. Works offline image Android 18 MB 4.1 Free
51. Disease Dictionary Offers information on causes, diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. Works offline image Android 2.7 MB 4.6 Free
52. Disease hand book This app contains detailed information on symptoms, causes and treatment for medical disorders and diseases. Works offline image iOS 17.6 MB 12+ Free
53. Diseases and Symptoms App provides information on symptoms of major diseases along with their precautions. image Windows 1.39 MB 5 Free
54. Diseases Dictionary Free 2016 App provides definitions, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, causes, prognosis, prevention and treatment of medical conditions. Works offline image Windows 15.45 MB 4.2 Free
55. Disorder & Diseases Dictionary Offline app provides information about symptoms, disorder and treatment image Android 31.93 MB 4.6 Free
56. Disorder & Diseases Dictionary Offline app provides information about symptoms, disorder and treatment image Android 31.70 MB 4.5 Free
57. Doctor + This app lists medicines for treatment of common diseases like cough, fever, insect bites, loose motions, sprain, headache etc. It also has a reminder system to remind take medicines image Windows 1.91 MB 4.2 Free
58. Don’t Forget Remedy Reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification image iOS 15.8 MB 12+ 60 INR
Don’t Forget Remedy Gold   12+ 620 INR
7.6 MB
59. DoseOrganizer Reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification image iOS 18 MB 12+ 60 INR
DoseOrganizer Lite
image Free
60. Dosecast - Medication Reminder App reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification along with medicines doses. Dose cast works offline image Android Varies with device 4.3 Free
Dosecast image iOS 48.3 MB 12+ Free
61. DrBond - For Doctors The app has index for access to drug updates, drug information and dosage information image Android 22 MB 4.3 Free
62. Drug A-Z The app A-Z provides information on worldwide clinical drugs and marketed chemical and biologic drugs since 1995 image iOS 12.3 MB 12+ Free
63. Drug Brands Allow to lookup for drug information by brand name, company name or molecule name. Features includes price of the brand medicine and identify any pill by imprint, shape or color. image Android 3.19 MB 3.8 Free
64. Drug Counselling Free and offline. Provides information on drug administration, counseling and guides for medication device use image Android 15 MB 4.3 Free
65. Drugs Dictionary 2016 It provides information about drugs: uses, dosage, how to take, side effects, precautions, drug interactions, missed dose and storage. Works offline image Android 7.8 MB 4.2 Free
66. Drug Formulary Drug Formulary contains monographs of drugs and regimens used in systemic cancer treatment, and symptom management information used to care for cancer patients in Ontario. Patient information sheets are also available image Android Varies with device 4.6 Free
67. Drug Guide The app has search feature and bookmarking facility for drugs by name, brands and category. The app provides information such as drug name, synonyms, drug category, brands, price, description, indication, dosage, pharmacology, toxicity and drug interaction. Works offline image Android 8.2 MB 4.3 Free
68. Drugs in Emergency & ICU A quick reference guide for drugs used in emergency and intensive care image Android 2.9 MB 4 336.55 INR
69. Drug Index & Guide It provides medical information over 30,000+ brand names and 2000+ generic drugs. Useful in giving clinical information for physicians, medical students, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Offers interaction details, important patient monitoring instructions, patient teachings etc image Android 2.6 MB 4 Free
70. Drug INFO Offline database application provides information like description of drug, interaction, mechanism of action etc image Android 4.5 MB 4.5 Free
71. Drug Info This app provides drug details like manufacturer, dose, side effects etc. image Windows 3.64 MB 3 Free
72. Drug Information FlashCards Drug Information Flash Cards have information on commonly prescribed drugs. The flashcards are grouped in chapters based on the drug class image Android Varies with device 3.9 Free
73. Drug Reference Health Prof TR App consists of drug monograph. Features are Easy-to-spot icons to identify special drug information including IV compatibilities/incompatibilities and high alert warnings image Android 3.8 MB 4.2 Free
74. DrugDoses DrugDoses contains more than 2050 entries. It lists drugs commonly prescribed for both adults and children image Android Varies with device. 4.3 1015.93 INR
75. Drugs Book Drugs Book is mobile drug application with more than 2000 entries of drug data. Drugs information including name, synonym, group, ATC code, CAS number, description, indication, pharmacodynamics, mechanism of action, classification, categories, toxicity, experimental properties, absorption, half-life, dosage, drug interaction, food interaction, and references. This application can be used online or offline image Android 9.0 MB 4.4 Free
76. Drugs Classification Beta App contains classification of more than 1000 drugs with their examples image Android 1.50 MB 3.8 Free
77. Drugs Dictionary It provides information about drugs: uses, how to take, side effects, precautions, drug interactions, missed dose and storage image Android 5.6 MB 4.3 Free
78. Drugs dictionary – Best Drugs & Medical Dictionary It provides information about the drugs: uses, dosage, how to use, side effects, precautions, drug interactions, missed dose and storage. Works offline image iOS 20.5 MB 12+ Free
79. Drugs Dictionary Offline App provides drug information like mechanism of action, side effects, precautions and dosage information. It also gives the available brands in Indian market to compare and save up to 50% on prescription medicines. Works offline image Android 6.8 MB 4.4 Free
80. Drugs Dictionary Offline: FREE It provides information about drugs: uses, dosage, how to take, side effects, precautions, drug interactions, missed dose and storage. Works offline image Android 2.4 MB 4.1 Free
iOS 16.5 MB 12+ Free
image Windows 10.79 MB 4.3 Free
81. Drugs Handbook Provides information about the drugs: uses, how to take, side effects, precautions, drug interactions, missed dose, storage, works offline image Windows 5.15 MB 3.9 1.49 USD
82. Drugs Medicine Dictionary Provides information on drugs image Android 3.35 MB 4 Free
83. Drugs.com Medication Guide The app provides Drug information, check interactions and set up medication record. Also, useful to identify pills and drug interaction image Android 11.15 MB 4.2 Free
84. DrugScape Free drugs database and medical encyclopedia based on Medscape, BNF and Micromedex image Windows 21.01 MB 4.5 Free
85. DrugsMobi App supports pill identification, provides side effects and dosage information image Windows 80.92 KB 4 Free
86. DynaMed Mobile DynaMed is the evidence based clinical resource for point of care image Android 6.3 MB 3.7 Free
87. Eat Your Pills App reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification along with medicines doses image Windows 1.81 MB 0 Free trial version
88. Ebola Disease This app gives detailed information about Ebola diseases (transmission, causes, treatment and prevention) image iOS 13.4 MB 12+ 190 INR
89. ECG A – Z Pro App for students and practitioners to strengthen their ECG reading capabilities: causes, symptom, pathology, diagnosis, treatment and clinical examples image iOS 7.1 MB 12+ 620 INR
90. Ekgoli App can show the cheaper substitute for prescribed drugs. Support to ordering by uploading the prescription for Allopathic medicines, Homeopathic pills, cancer and other specialty drugs. Service available in (INDIA) Delhi, Faridabad, Ghaziyabad, Noida. Also help to book Lab Test image Windows 3.37 MB 0 Free
91. eMedic App is the mobile field guides for first responders, EMTs, paramedics and other medical professionals. No subscription is required image iOS 7.4 MB 12+ 620 INR
92. Emergency Medicine Stanford Review Emergency medicine review provides the full spectrum of emergency medicine image iOS 56.2 MB 12+ Free
93. EMS Pediatric Guide Reference in emergency medical care and provides critical information of pediatrics emergencies image iOS 25.2 MB 12+ 250 INR
94. Encyclopedia of Medicine It is a health reference product about a wide variety of health topics such as diseases, disorder, conditions, diets, treatment and diagnostic tests image iOS 558 MB 12+ 300 INR
95. Encyclopedia of Senior Health This app covers wide variety of topics: Diseases, condition and treatmentNutrition/diet concern, drugs and vitamins image iOS 140 MB 12+ 250 INR
96. Encyclopedia of Cancer This app contain collection of 450 entries, provide in-depth coverage of specific cancer types, diagnostic procedure, treatment, cancer side effect and cancer drugs image iOS 180 MB 12+ 250 INR
97. Encyclopedia of Mental Health The app provides information about mental health, disorders, drugs and treatment image iOS 68 MB 12+ 300 INR
98. Endocrine Diseases: Facts on Endocrinology, Hormones and Fast Metabolism Dictionary! The app discusses the important topics in endocrine diseases for medical professionals and others image iOS 8.5 MB 12+ Free
99. Epocrates Plus Key Features: image Android 8.86 MB 4.3 Free
• Review drug prescribing and safety information for thousands of brand, generic and OTC drugs
• Check for potentially harmful drug-drug interactions among up to 30 drugs at a time
• Identify pills by imprint code and physical characteristics
• Access timely medical news and research information
• Find providers for consults and referrals in the Provider Directory
• Select national and regional health care insurance formularies for drug coverage information
Epocrates Reference Tools for Healthcare Providers • Perform many calculations, such as BMI and GFR
In addition, disease information, clinical practice guidelines, alternative medications, lab guides, coding and more content is available by upgrading to an Epocrates Plus subscription iOS 75.3 MB 12+ Free
100. ERres- Emergency Medicine ERres is a bedside tool containing the various medication lists, algorithms, decision rules, clinical policies and core content for emergency care providers. image Android 14.18 MB 4.3 634.24
INR
101. Express Scripts The Express Scripts mobile app offers eligible members the ease and convenience of managing their prescriptions and pharmacy care anytime, anywhere. Key features: Offers home delivery for medications, refill and renew home delivery prescriptions, view medications and set reminders. Helps to find and compare medications price image Windows 702.21 KB - 1.36 MB 3.4 Requires membership
102. Find my Medicine An app helpful for frequent travelers to find the equivalent name of the medicines in the 12 countries (except prescription drugs) image Android 4.10 MB 3.7 Free
103. Free Micromedex Drug Reference for Internet Subscribers It provides clinical care professionals with on the go access to drug information. Works offline image iOS 5.6 MB 12+ Free of charge to subscribers of micromedex
104. Gastroenterology Pocket The content cover latest diagnostic and management concepts in various topics in Gastroenterology and hematology image iOS 49.6 MB 12+ 620 INR
105. Generic drugs encyclopedia Encyclopedia of Generic Drugs provide following details about the generic drugs: image Android 165 KB 3.7 Free
Full generic information including therapeutic class, indications, adult doses, pediatric doses, doses in renal impairment, doses in hepatic impairment, contraindications, boxed warning, warnings/precautions, adverse reactions, overdose reactions, drug interactions, lab interactions, food interactions, mechanism of actions, metabolism, pharmacodynamics, assessment, monitoring, patient counselling, administration,same I/V compatible and I/V incompatible list, pregnancy category, lactation, storage conditions, ATC classification.
Following details of various drug brands available in market are provided:
brand name, constituents of brand with amount,
manufacturer name and complete address including contact number and email id, type of preparation like tablet, syrup, cream etc. and price per unit
106. GIPiOS Glaucoma in perspective is an app guides on care on glaucoma image iOS 49.7 MB 12+ Free
107. Gynecologic Cancers @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of gynecologic cancers to improve patient outcome image iOS 20.0 MB 12+ Free
108. Heart conditions & Treatments It provides resources for newly diagnosis and other heart related diseases (causes, symptoms and treatment) image iOS 14.8 MB 12+ 120
INR
109. Hepatitis C @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of hepatitis to improve patient outcome image iOS 20.1 MB 12+ Free
110. HIV Health Tracker App to remind to take medication, and record blood tests results for CD4 and viral load image Windows 645.35 KB - 1.07 MB 4.1 Free
111. Hypoparathyroidism @Point of Care Provides a streamlined clinical decision support tool for clinicians to obtain content enabling better decisions, better outcomes and better care image iOS 12.6 MB 12+ Free
112. iChemo Deluxe Contains chemotherapy monographs. A chemotherapy educational tool that even allows simulation image iOS 6.6 MB 12+ 620 INR
113. iCancer Health: Cancer Care - Virtual Care at Home It helps to manage chemo and oncolytics medication, track and report overall health symptoms and treatment plan image iOS 91.7 MB 12+ Free
114. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis to improve patient outcome image iOS 20.4 MB 12+ Free
115. iHealthy Work even offline, contains medical information of 13000+ drugs, 1000+ supplements and herbals, 20000+ diseases and 34000+ symptoms image Windows 13.49 MB 4.1 Free
116. Immune Disorders: The Immune System and Facts on Immunology & Allergy The app discusses important topics in immunology and is ideal for all medical professionals, medical residents, interns, nurses, medical students and others image iOS 8.4 MB 12+ Free
117. Immuno-Oncology @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of Cancer disease to improve patient outcome image iOS 22.3 MB 12+ Free
118. InfantRisk Center HCP It gives health care providers information about prescription and non-prescription medications and their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. First year free subscription image Android 12.65 MB 2.7 330 INR
119. Injuries & Wounds: First Aid, CPR & Choking, Wound Care Terminology Central The app discusses the most important topics in injuries and is ideal for all medical professionals, medical residents, interns, nurses, medical students and others image iOS 8.7 MB 12+ Free
120. iPharmacy Pill ID & Drug Info App helps to find the lowest price for the prescription. Identify pill by color, shape and imprint, helps to understand & manage medication treatment, and reduce health bill image Android 5.56 MB 4.1 Free
121. IV Drug Compatibility It provides health care professionals quick access in checking the compatibility of any two of most of the intravenous drugs at the y site image iOS 119 MB 12+ 190 INR
122. Kidney Conditions & Treatment Helps people with kidney disease with medical information image iOS 16 MB 12+ 120 INR
123. Kidney Diseases Facts: Urology Health Eval Tips Tool, Simulations, Guide and Behavior with Renal & Dialysis Glossary Review! The app discusses important topics in Kidney disease and is ideal for all medical professionals, medical residents, interns, nurses, medical students and others image iOS 9 MB 12+ Free
124. Lexicomp Lexicomp includes drug monographs, interactions, patients leaflet, etc image Android Varies with device 4.2 30 days free trial
125. Liixuos Drugs Dictionary It provides information on drugs like indication, description, mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, absorption, clearance, metabolism, and volume of distribution, route of elimination, protein binding, half-life, toxicity, type and group of drugs. image Android 4.9 MB 4.5 Free
126. Liverpool HEP iChart This app allows searching for potential drug - drug interaction between hepatitis drugs and other medications, as recommended by international treatment guidelines. Work offline image iOS 13.5 MB 12+ Free
127. Liverpool HIV iChart This app allows searching for potential drug - drug interaction between HIV drugs and other medications, as recommended by international treatment guidelines. Work offline image iOS 15.6 MB 12+ Free
128. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of depressive disorder to improve patient outcome image iOS 19.6 MB 12+ Free
129. Manage My Pain Lite Pain management app to record, track, analyze and share pain details image Android Varies with devices 4 Free
Manage My Pain Pro
image 4.3 220 INR
130. Mankind Medisurf It is an application for doctors with the features like drug search, monographs, medical dictionary, pregnancy category, disease information, etc image Android 5.24 MB 4.5 Free
131. MASCC Antiemesis Tool (MAT) MASCC Antiemesis is app for the cancer patient receiving chemotherapy that helps their doctors in evaluating if and how much the anticancer treatment is causing nausea and vomiting image iOS 19.7 MB 12+ Free
132. MD on Call App designed primarily for junior residents, interns and medical students to manage some frequent on call situations and specific conditions image Android 7.13 MB 4.7 477 INR
133. Med Helper Pill Reminder This app keeps track of the medications, doctors appointment and alarm when medicines are running or about to expire image Android 2.96 MB 4.3 Free
Med Helper Pro Pill Reminder 2.64 MB 4.6 270.42 INR
134. MedReminder Reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification image Windows 1.05 MB 3.7 Free
135. Medica Reminders Reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification image Windows 4.97 MB 4.2 252 INR
136. Medical Dictionary Diseases It has detailed information on 5000+ of diseases, 1000+ of common drugs and more than 30000+ medical terms from medical encyclopedia. Works offline image Android 4.8 MB 4.5 Free
137. Medical Dictionary- Diseases Offline App provides medical diseases & disorders with detailed definitions, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, causes, prognosis, prevention and treatment. image Android 7.32 MB 4.3 Free
138. Medical Dictionary - Diseases A free medical dictionary offline app on medical diseases and disorders with detailed definitions, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, causes, prognosis, prevention and treatment. Works offline image iOS 56.7 MB 12+ Free
139. Medical Disease Dictionary Provide details of diagnosis, treatment, syndrome, signs and symptoms of diseases. Works offline image Android 22.66 MB 4.2 Free
140. Medical Drug Dictionary App provides information on drugs: indications, dosage, how to take, side effects, precautions, drug interactions, missed dose and storage. Works offline image Android 8.25 MB 3.7 Free
141. Medical Drug Dictionary App provides information on drugs: indications, dosage, how to take, side effects, precautions, drug interactions, missed dose and storage. Works offline image Android 15.48 MB 4.2 Free
142. Medical Drugs Guide Dictionary Provide drug information like dosage, precautions, drug interaction and storage. Works offline image Android 1.88 MB 4 Free
143. Medicea by Medicea Technology Medicea Technology Solutions offers India's largest medicine database with more than 400,000 medicines listed. Provide information on active pharmaceutical ingredients as well as the price in the market. Medicea keeps user informed about alerts on fake, substandard and miss labeled drugs on a real time basis image Android 4.4 MB 4.8 Free
Windows 2.81 MB 0 Free
Medicea
144. Medicine Content Offers 70000+ products details. Provide information on composition, side effects, and effects of ingestion during pregnancy and lactation. Allows drug search, multiple drug search substitute search and symptoms search image Android 2.13 MB 4.1 Free
145. Medicine Handbook Provides information on drugs: uses, dosage, how to take, side effects, precautions, drug interaction, missed dose and storage. Works offline image Android 3.10 MB 3.7 Free
146. Medicine Help – Find Medicines Helps to find out cost effective generic drug substitutes for brand drugs image Android 888 KB 3.2 Free
147. Medicine M.R.P-Health Free app This application provides information on the medicines name and price image Android 1.0 MB 3.9 Free
148. Medicine Manager Reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification to user image Windows 1.59 MB - 2.93 MB 4 $1.29
149. Medicine MRP in INDIA Provides information on maximum retail price of medicines in India image Android 5.32 MB 4.3 Free
150. Medicine Pocketbook It is a medical handbook app that provides all information about drugs used for medication: uses, dosages, how to take, side effect, precaution, drug interaction, best dose and storage. Works offline image iOS 11.5 MB 12+ Free
151. Medicine Reminder App to remind taking pills just in time, through sending notification image Android 4.6 MB 3.8 Free
152. Medicine Reminder Free Reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification image Android 2.2 MB 3.3 Free
153. Medicine Tracker Reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification image Android 667 KB 3.6 Free
154. MedicineList+ This app is a Medication reminder system. Records and set medicine reminders for prescription, nonprescription and complimentary medicines. Allows adding medicine by barcode scanning, making note of emergency contact, medicare cards and medical insurance. Assists nurses, doctors and care givers to keep track of patients image Android 11.0 MB 4.2 Free
155. Medicine and Treatment User can search the app by disease name and app shall auto sort the medicine for the searched disease image Windows 3.28 MB - 7.13 MB 3.8 0.99 USD
156. Medicines Compendium UK The app features include 5000+ brand names and generic drugs listings. Provides indications, dosing, administration, side effect, and medicine interactions image Android 4.6 MB 4.5 379.21 INR
157. Medicopia - Drug Reference App Medicopia is a mobile pharmacopeia application intended for use by healthcare professionals at the point of patient care. It serves as a reference tool allowing health care providers to access prescription information on medications approved for use in the Indian market. The information contained in the application includes generic as well as brand names of medicines, indication(s) for their use, dosing for specific illnesses, adverse drug reactions, contraindications for use and pharmacology of the drug image Android 4.84 MB 4.3 Free
158. MedMemo Provide information about medicines, check drug-drug, drug - food interactions, dosage forms, prices and other brand names. App to remind taking pills just in time through sending notification. image iOS 10.5 MB 12+ Free
159. Medminder App to reminder taking pills just in time through sending notification image Windows 4.1 MB 0 $1.49
160. Medrills: Pediatric Medical Emergencies App contains instructional animation to provide understanding the medical task of pediatric medical emergencies. image iOS 59.9 MB 12+ 250 INR
Help to assess for fever, vomiting, dehydration, and a host of other ailments. Help to identify and treat common household poisons children often meet
161. Meds Tracker Free App to remind taking pills just in time, through sending notification image Windows 1.09 MB - 1.32 MB 3.5 Free
162. Medscape Medscape provides clinical answers at the point of care. Key features include formulary information, Drug interaction checker, drug reference tool, medical calculators, information on 4400+ disease and conditions. In addition, Medscape consult allows physician to ask clinical questions, share interesting images and challenging cases. Works offline image Android 4.8 MB 4.4 Free
163. MedsDiary – Never miss a medicine! App to remind taking pills just in time through sending notification. Works offline image iOS 43 MB 12+ 60 INR
164. Mental Illness: Facts on Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD Test, Screening, Treatment and Self Help Management Free! The app discusses important topics in depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and many others, and is ideal for all medical professionals, medical residents, interns, nurses, medical students and others image iOS 8.6 MB 12+ Free
165. Free Micromedex Drug Reference Provides concise medicine information on 4500+ drugs. Works offline image Android 9.9 MB 4.1 Free for micromedex customers
166. Free Micromedex Drug Interact Drug interaction checker. Works offline image Android 12 MB 4.4 Free for micromedex customers
Micromedex Drug Interactions (outside US & Canada)
image iOS 5.4 MB 12+ Free for micromedex customers
167. Micromedex IV Compatibility (outside US & Canada) It enhances patient safety by pinpointing potentially dangerous combinations. Works offline image iOS 14.3 MB 12+ Free for micromedex customers
168. Micromedex NeoFax Essentials (outside US & Canada) Evidence based drug information to efficiently and safely manage drug therapy to neonatal patients. Works offline image iOS 21.3 MB 12+ Free for micromedex customers
169. Micromedex Pediatrics It is reliable resource for on the go access to evidence based drug information to efficiently and safely manage drug therapy for pediatric patient. Works offline image iOS 21.5 MB 12+ Free for micromedex customers
(outside US & Canada)
170. Micropedia - Medical Microbiology Provide concise review of pathogen’s clinical presentation including mood of transmission, symptoms, lab and image findings relevant diagnostic testing treatment and additional pearls image iOS 6.5 MB 12+ Free
171. MIMS Provides information on medicines licensed in the UK. MIMS offers a 30-day free trial, later a year subscription for £9.99 image Android 7.69 MB 4 Free for 30 days trial
172. Mobile REMM – Radiation Emergency Medical Management It provides guidance for HCP primarily physician about clinical diagnosis and treatment of radiation injury during radiological and nuclear emergency. Works offline image iOS 9.1 MB 12+ Free
173. MPR Information for over 4,300 prescription and OTC products. Works offline image Android 12.23 MB 4.3 Free
174. Multiple Myeloma @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of multiple myeloma to improve patient outcome image iOS 18.7 MB 12+ Free
175. Multiple Myeloma Resource Center Its provide information about the myeloma: the diagnosis, symptoms and the treatment image iOS 11.8 MB 12+ Free
176. Multiple Sclerosis @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of multiple sclerosis to improve patient outcome image iOS 20.5 MB `12+ Free
177. Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis & Management Its contain information on the diagnosis, classification and management of multiple sclerosis image iOS 88.6 MB 12+ Free
178. My Breathefree This app help patients with chronic breathing problems like Asthma, COPD in managing their condition better and leading a normal and active life. It helps to take medicine doses on time by timely dose reminders. image Android 3.82 MB 4.5 Free
179. My Injury The app provides users with detailed information about identification of the most common injuries and treatment image iOS 94.7 MB 12+ 420 INR
180. My Knee Injury The app provides users with detailed information about identification of the most common knee injuries and treatment image iOS 91.7 MB 12+ 120 INR
181. My Meds Reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification image Windows 10.84 MB 4.4 189 INR
182. My PillBox (Meds&Pill Reminder) My pillbox (Meds & Pill reminder) is designed to help the user to track and remind the medications image Android 2.2 MB 4.2 Free
183. MyDawaai App help to find the equivalent brands with prices and their generic names image Android 3.60 MB 3.9 Free
184. MyMeds Medication management app: refill reminders, medication usage history, finds best price for the prescriptions, information about medication and their side effects image iOS 12.7 MB 12+ Free
185. Natural Apnea Remedies - Stop Sleep Disorder & Snoring This app provides information on sleep apnea, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and life style changes image iOS 67.2 MB 12+ 150 INR
186. Navia: Health Manager Personal treatment manager. Track ones treatment, sets reminder for each medicine dose and for follow up image Android 8.80 MB 4.5 Free
187. NbN- Neuroscience based Nomenclature App to enhance treatments and improve psychiatric health. Provides information on medicines: pharmacology, mode of action, interactions, efficacy, side effects etc image iOS 5.2 MB 12+ Free
188. neurology guide The app is divided into various parts and contains the core neurological information required; latest advances in the diagnosis and management of neurological diseases are also covered image iOS 18.6 MB 12+ Free
189. New drugs Provides brief description of drugs for medical, dental, nursing & all para-medics and students image Android 1.4 MB 4.1 Free
190. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer@ Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of non-small cell lung cancer to improve patient outcome image iOS 20.6 MB 12+ Free
191. Nurse’s Drug Handbook Includes index of all generic, trade and alternate drug names, pregnancy risk category, controlled substance schedule, indications and dosages, incompatibilities and contraindication, adverse reactions, interactions, nursing consideration, warning and precautions image Android 32.98 MB 4.2 30 days free trial,
1556.45-1650.00 INR
192. Nursing Antineoplastic Drugs Provides information on medicines: safety alerts, black box warnings, clinical alerts, FDA approved indications, evidence-based off-label uses for drugs, overdose signs and symptoms, adjust –a-dose information, interactions, contraindications and cautions, patient teaching guidelines image iOS 35.3 MB 12+ Free
(29 drug entries)
Purchase for access to all 278 drug entries
193. Nursing Care Plans - Free Provides nursing care plans for various ailments image Android 8.60 MB 4.2 Free
194. Nursing Psychiatric Drugs Provides information on medicines: safety alerts, black box warnings, clinical alerts, FDA approved indications, evidence-based off-label uses for drugs, overdose signs and symptoms, adjust –a-dose information, interactions, contraindications and cautions, patient teaching guidelines image iOS 35.5 MB 12+ Free
(41 drug entries)
Purchase for access to all 372 drug entries
195. Omnio Drug guide, disease guide, calculators, newsfeed, interaction analyzer, pill identifier and dosing calculator image Android 20 MB 4.3 Free
196. OncAmigo Oncamigo is an app to help oncology professionals including adult and pediatric oncologists, oncology nurses, fellows, residents, etc. This app has chemo regimens for both adult and pediatric malignancies. Provides information such as dosage, schedule, dose modification in renal and hepatic impairment, brand names, emetogenic potential updated every 3 months to include new treatment regimens image iOS 1.9 MB 12+ 620 INR
197. OneRx-Drug Savings & Coupons Helps saving upto 90% on prescription medications with or without insurance. OneRx allows entering insurance details to find copay. Also, can lower copay with coupons and discounts and find the cheapest pharmacy for the medication image Android 13 MB 4.2 Free
198. Ophthalmology pocket Features:  image iOS 30.4 MB 12+ 370 INR
Eye anatomy, Refraction errors and their management, Diagnosis and management of temporal arteritis, endophthalmitis, central vein occlusion, central artery occlusion, and retinal detachment, symptoms, diagnosis, and therapy of glaucoma, macular degeneration, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and uveitis. Classification and therapy of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
 Algorithms for the management of acute pupillary block and primary open angle glaucoma, images to test for color blindness and a visual acuity test chart
199. Pain Management pocketcards Its provides guidelines on the assessment and management of pain image iOS 45.8MB 12+ 300 INR
200. palmEM: Emergency Medicine App provides comprehensive, evidence-based reference for physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and other health care practitioners image Android 13 MB 4.3 370.45 INR
201. palmPEDi: Pediatric Tape Designed to provide information for medical professional, interns, nurses in an emergency or intensive care setting image Android 2.6 MB 4.5 65.94 INR
202. Paramedic meds This medical app is a quick reference for nearly 100 most common drugs and drips used. Works offline image Android 375 KB 4.5 162.98 INR
203. Parkinson’s Disease @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of parkinson’s disease to improve patient outcome image iOS 20 MB 12+ Free
204. Pediatric pocket The app includes diagnostic and treatment guidelines, management algorithm drug and administration table commonly used in pediatric medications image Android 21 MB 4.7 99 INR
iOS 34.8 MB 12+ 620 INR
205. Pediatrics App Helps doctors to manage the paediatric patients better. Offers common paediatric conditions, paediatrics drugs and dosages image Android 6.05 MB 4.3 Free
206. Pharma Drug Dictionary Pharma Drug Dictionary is a offline encyclopedia having all the information related to drug like uses, description, dosage, drug interaction, drug category, drug brand, etc. Works offline image Android 8.5 MB 3.8 Free
207. Pharmacology Provides information on drugs: mechanism of action, side effects, interactions etc image Android 1.32 MB 4 Free
208. Pharmacology MBBS Provides information on drugs: mechanism of action, side effects, interactions etc image Android 1.12 MB 4.1 Free
209. Pharmacopoeia App provide information over 400 drugs for both students and physicians image Android 1.79MB 4.2 Free
210. PharmaGuide Provides information on drugs image Android 9.86 MB 3.9 Free for cephalosporins. Complete data available through yearly subscription
211. Pharmapedia Pakistan Offline access to information on generic drugs (dosages, indications etc), medicine brands in Pakistan with prices and available forms, alternate brands image Android 7.6 MB 4.7 Free
212. PharmEasy- 20% off Medicines! PharmEasy delivers medicine to doorstep at a flat 20% discount and gives more than 40% discount on diagnostic tests. All orders with a valid prescription shall be delivered within 24 hours at no delivery cost. Delivery of medicines is available in the following cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkatta, Pune, Bengaluru, Noida, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Chennai. Diagnostic tests are available in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkatta image Android 7.9 MB 4.2 Free
213. Pill Reminds taking pills just in time, through sending notification image Windows 4.0 MB 0 1.49 USD
214. Pill Identifier and Drug List Identify Brand and Generic drugs by name. This drug reference guide provides information like product NDC #, manufacturer, over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription, uses, warning, direction and ingredients of about 60,000+ drugs. image Android 4.9 MB 4.1 Free
iOS 17.5 MB 12+ Free
215. Pill Reminder Reminds taking pills just in time through sending notification image Android 210 KB 3.3 Free
216. Pill Time Reminds taking pills just in time through sending notification image Windows 2.48 MB 0 0.99 USD
217. Pillzzz 2 App to remind taking pills just in time through sending notification image Windows 8.0 MB 4 Free
218. Pocket Doctor First Aid Provide management of the most common diseases, injuries, damage in the home and on the road before the arrival of medical assistance image iOS 23.7 MB 12+ 120 INR
219. Pocketmednotes Detailed collection of information for doctors and medical students with over 1000 pages of easily accessible information on drugs, diseases and basic medicine image Android 1.2 MB 4.6 Free
220. PPD Drug Information Contain drug information for over 3000 products. Users can search by brand, generic and even by company image Android 10.03 MB 4 Free
221. Prognosis: Emergency Medicine Prognosis: Emergency Medicine allows testing decision-making skills in a risk-free environment while sharpening ones clinical knowledge by giving cases. All the cases and discussion are reviewed by 120+ physicians across 27 specialties image Android 5.4 MB 4.6 Free
iOS 15.6 MB 12+ Free
222. Prognosis: Hematology It brings the latest therapeutic guidelines regarding the management of hematological diseases and its associated complications image iOS 14.6 MB 12+ Free
223. Prognosis: Infectious diseases It brings the latest therapeutic guidelines regarding the management of infectious diseases and its associated complications image iOS 14.5 MB 12+ Free
224. Prognosis: Neurology It brings the latest therapeutic guidelines regarding the management of neurological diseases and its associated complications image iOS 14.9 MB 12+ Free
225. Prognosis: Respiratory It brings the latest therapeutic guidelines regarding the management of respiratory system disorders and its associated complications image iOS 14.8 MB 12+ Free
226. Prognosis: Rheumatology It brings the latest therapeutic guidelines regarding the management of rheumatology and its associated complications image iOS 14.6 MB 12+ Free
227. Prognosis: STDs It brings the latest therapeutic guidelines regarding the management of STDs and its associated complications image iOS 14.8 MB 12+ Free
228. Prognosis: Diabetes It is to bring the latest therapeutic guidelines regarding the management of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications image iOS 14.7 MB 12+ Free
229. Prostate Cancer @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of prostate cancer to improve patient outcome images iOS 20.2 MB 12+ Free
230. Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis to improve patient outcome image iOS 19.7 MB 12+ Free
231. Psych Drugs & Medications: Prescription Psychiatric Medication Pocket Guide in Psychiatry The app provides information about various psychotropic medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and antianxiety drugs image iOS 7.6 MB 12+ Free
232. Psychiatry Pocket It includes treatment guideline, management algorithm and commonly used psychiatric medication image iOS 42.9 MB 12+ 620 INR
233. Psychosomatic Consultation pocketcard The app contains a checklist of items to be addressed during a psychosomatic consultation image iOS 29.4 MB 12+ 300 INR
234. Quick Rx Plus QuickRx is offline drug reference guide useful to general physicians, specialist, medical students, nurses and other healthcare professionals for clinical drug information of evidence based medicines. Works offline image Android 945 KB 4.1 Free
235. QuickEM It provides differential diagnosis, history, physical exam, tests and treatments for over 50 of the most common complaints to emergency department image Android 15.84 MB 4.6 Free
236. QUICKmedicine It is an encyclopedia of medicines that provides key facts guide to medical conditions and disease image Android 10 MB 4 79 INR
237. Quido-Rx Digitization Remind taking pills just in time through alarm. Also keeps record of blood sugar and BP image Android 12.67 MB 4.6 Free
238. RapidRx – Smarter Healthcare The product is a mobile prescription order entry system solely developed for use in India. By using this App doctors will be able to electronically prescribe drugs to patients and the patients will receive the prescription as a text message. The generics, brands, strengths, route and dosage details are built-in into the application image Android 2.6 MB 4.2 Free
239. refRx Drug Directory App refRx is a drug reference tool to access prescribing information on nearly 1000 generics and over 15,000 brands in India, with a multi search capability across generic, brand, class and company image Android 11.70 MB 4.3 Free
240. Respiratory Tract Infection App for students to learn basic thought process behind patient assessing with Group a Streptoccal Pharyngitis, Bacterial Rhinosinusitis, Acute Otitis Media (AOM) image iOS 1.5 MB 12+ Free
241. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) @Point of Care It provides specific evidence based medical content: topics and diagnosis, treatment and care management of Rheumatoid Arthritis to improve patient outcome image iOS 19.3 MB 12+ Free
242. RX Pal Family Pill Minder Free Easy to use medicine, pill, medication reminder application to help multiple family members to take their medications, vitamins, or birth control pills on time, keep track of their prescriptions, and manage their medication. Full version of this app is available without Ads and with refill reminders image Android 215 KB 4.1 Free
243. Sanford Guide: Antimicrobial Rx It provides clinicians the current, concise and reliable information of infectious diseases image Android 1.8 MB 4.2 29.99 USD/year
244. Signs & Symptoms Diabetic Macular Oedema App helps the patient to self-manage Diabetic Macular Oedema using interactive tools. This app provides information regarding signs and symptoms and management of Diabetic Macular Oedema image iOS 16 MB 12+ Free
245. Signs & Symptoms Dyslipidaemias This app provides information regarding signs and symptoms and help self-manage Dyslipidaemias image iOS 17.7 MB 12+ Free
246. Signs & Symptoms Migraine This app provides information regarding signs and symptoms and help self-manage migraine image iOS 18 MB 12+ Free
247. Sign & Symptoms Anaemia This app provides information regarding signs and symptoms and help self-manage anemia image iOS 15.2 MB 12+ Free
248. Sign & Symptoms Cholesterol This app provides information regarding signs and symptoms and help self-manage cholesterol image iOS 18 MB 12+ Free
249. Skin Care, Diseases Dictionary & Treatment Offline Overviews the symptoms and treatment of skin disease image iOS 13.3 MB 12+ Free
250. Spine Conditions & Treatment This app provides details about spine diseases: causes, symptoms and treatment image iOS 24.9 MB 12+ 120 INR
251. Stroke Prevention in Afib @Point of Care Its provides relevant, evidence based disease specific medical content: support discovery and practice change in stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation/venou image iOS 19.6 MB 12+ Free
thromboembolism
252. Tarascon Pharmacopoeia App provides drug information and multiple drug interaction details. Feature of this app is consist of unique Canadian trade names and drugs image Android 11.21 MB 4.3 Free for trial
USD 39.99 for an year
253. Thyroid Disease – Helpful Guide Provides information on diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease image iOS 72.1 MB 12+ 190 INR`
254. Thyroid Symptoms Treatment Provides information about thyroid treatment image Android 5.26 MB 3.9 Free
255. Top 800 Disease Condition Includes information on 800 diseases in detail with search option image Android 2.05 MB 4 Free
256. TRC Pharmacology TRC provides basic pharmacological knowledge: pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and drug mechanisms in context of (patho)physiology image iOS 37.5 MB 12+ Free
257. Trial Drugs A2Z Drug index, Medicine catalog, Formulation guide & quick drug reference with complete drug information, brand information for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, chemist, hospitals, critical care centers image Android 1.3 MB 4.1 Free
258. Up To Date Find clinical answers including evidence-based recommendations at the point of care or anywhere - quickly and easily image Android 2.5 MB 4.5 Requires Individual or Institutional Subscription
Windows 3.0 MB 3.4
259. Youwell - Health Organizer App to remind taking pills just in time, through sending notification. Store result of regular measurements like BP, blood sugar level etc image iOS 33.6 MB 12+ Free

Categorization of health care application

Presently there is wide range of healthcare applications for different platforms of smartphones available to aid health care providers and patients, by providing accurate evidence-based medicine information, easy access, and clinical decision-making support at their palm to achieve better health care. To enable better understanding of the apps we categorized them in to Drug information, Disease information and management, Drug interactions, Prescription manager, Multifunctional apps, and apps for Drug and poison information centre. Figure 3 show the detail of the classifications.

health-medical-informatics-status

Figure 3. Healthcare apps – 2016 Status.

Drug information apps: These includes eighty-two (29.6%) apps providing information by drug names search on dosing, contraindication or warnings, adverse effects, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, indication, lab test interferences, adverse drug reactions, precautions, patient care consideration, storage of drugs, clinical information and patient education. The advantage of these apps includes comprehensive and up-to-date drug information. Many apps have search features that allow the user to search for any drug by generic or brand name. Some of these apps provide medical substitutes.

Disease information and management Apps: One hundred and twenty-three (44.4%) apps providing in-depth and consultative information about diseases, signs and symptoms, risk factors, causes, complications, abnormalities in lab values, management according to recent guidelines, or evidence based medicine (EMB) were categorized as disease information and management apps.

These apps help the healthcare professionals to find reliable information for evidence-based medicine to maintain safe and effective drug therapy for patients. It allows clinicians to minimize errors in the vulnerable patient population, and to provide preventive care to the patient which further helps to avoid complications.

Drug interactions apps: One of the most frequently useful situations of apps for healthcare professionals is detecting drug interactions. Six (2.16%) apps were identified to be directly useful in providing drug interactions among drugs, herbal supplements, food and even drug lab test values interferences. They also provide the mechanism, severity, onset, clinical management and monitoring parameters.

This kind of apps allows clinicians to check a patient’s entire medication list for potentially harmful interactions and view severity ratings ranging from minor to major can eventually prevent or reduce greater number of clinically significant drug interactions.

Prescription manager: Forty-six (16.6%) apps provide prescription cost service, help consumer to locate store for medicine at lowest price, identify pill by colour, shape, and imprint.

These apps help patients mainly by medication management and believed to increase medication adherence and produce better outcomes.

Multifunctional apps: We classified the apps that has two or more overlapping functions as specified in methodology into this category. Seventeen (6.13%) of such apps provide a combinational health care services like drug information, disease information and management, drug interactions and prescription manager. The advantage these apps have, are the centralization of many important services in a single app, to enable mainly healthcare professionals and public for information gathering to aid in clinical decision-making and practice of evidence based medicine at the point of care (Tables 2-4).

Table 2: Drug information and Drug interaction apps.

S. No Drug Information Apps Drug Interaction Apps
1 Abbott Brand Info IV Drug Compatibility
2 AIDS info Drug Database Free Micromedex Drug Interact
3 Anesthesia Drug Box Liverpool HEP iChart
4 Assist UK – Drug Interactions Checker & Warnings Liverpool HIV iChart
5 Canadian Drug pocket Micromedex Drug Interactions (outside US & Canada)
6 Clinical Pharmacology Micromedex IV Compatibility (outside US & Canada)
7 Clinicians Drug Reference 2011  
8 Davis’s Drug Guide 2015  
9 Davis's Drug Guide  
10 Diabetes Drugs Dictionary  
11 Digital Drug Index  
12 DIMS  
13 DrBond - For Doctors  
14 Drug A-Z  
15 Drug Brands  
16 Drug Counselling  
17 Drug Formulary  
18 Drug Guide  
19 Drug Index & Guide  
20 Drug INFO  
21 Drug Info  
22 Drug Information Flash Cards  
23 Drug Reference Health Prof TR  
24 Drug Doses  
25 Drugs Book  
26 Drugs Classification Beta  
27 Drugs Dictionary  
28 Drugs dictionary – Best Drugs & Medical Dictionary  
29 Drugs Dictionary 2016  
30 Drugs Dictionary Offline  
31 Drugs Dictionary Offline: FREE  
32 Drugs Handbook  
33 Drugs in Emergency & ICU  
34 Drugs Medicine Dictionary  
35 Drug Scape  
36 Drugs Mobi  
37 Free Micromedex Drug Reference  
38 Free Micromedex Drug Reference for Internet Subscribers  
39 Generic drugs encyclopedia  
40 iChemo Deluxe  
41 iHealthy  
42 InfantRisk Center HCP  
43 Lexicomp  
44 Liixuos Drugs Dictionary  
45 Mankind Medisurf  
46 Medical Drug Dictionary  
47 Medical Drugs Guide Dictionary  
48 Medicea  
49 Medicea by Medicea Technology  
50 Medicine Content  
51 Medicine Handbook  
52 Medicine Pocketbook  
53 Medicines Compendium UK  
54 Medicopia - Drug Reference App  
55 Micromedex NeoFax Essentials (outside US & Canada )  
56 Micromedex Pediatrics (outside US & Canada )  
57 MIMS  
58 MPR  
59 NbN- Neuroscience based Nomenclature  
60 new drugs  
61 Nurse’s Drug Handbook  
62 Nursing Antineoplastic Drugs  
63 Nursing Psychiatric Drugs  
64 Paramedic meds  
65 Pharma Drug Dictionary  
66 Pharmacology  
67 Pharmacology MBBS  
68 Pharmacopoeia  
69 Pharma Guide  
70 Pharmapedia Pakistan  
71 Pill Identifier and Drug List  
72 Pocketmed notes  
73 PPD Drug Information  
74 Psych Drugs & Medications: Prescription Psychiatric Medication Pocket Guide in Psychiatry  
75 Quick Rx Plus  
76 refRx Drug Directory App  
77 Tarascon Pharmacopoeia  
78 TRC Pharmacology  
79 Trial Drugs A2Z  

Table 3: Disease Information and Management & Prescription Manager Apps.

S.No Disease Information and Management Prescription Manager
  1.  
21 Children Health Issues That Every Parent Must Know CareZone
  1.  
ACT for Meningitis CheapestMedicine
  1.  
AIDS Directory Chemo Aid
  1.  
Alzheimer’s Disease Pocket Card Don’t Forget Remedy
  1.  
Antibiotic Therapy Free Don’t Forget Remedy Gold
  1.  
Antibiotics & Infections Dosecast
  1.  
Antibiotics and infection Dosecast - Medication Reminder
  1.  
Antimicrobial Companion DoseOrganizer
  1.  
Arthiritis Symptoms And Suggested Treatment DoseOrganizer Lite
  1.  
Asthma @Point of Care Eat Your Pills
  1.  
Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms Ekgoli
  1.  
Breast cancer @Point of Care Express Scripts
  1.  
Cancer 101 Treatment Find my Medicine
  1.  
Cancers! The Guide to Breast, Lung, Prostate Cancer Science, Therapy, Diagnosis, Treatment, Update & Glossary Handbook HIV Health Tracker
  1.  
Cardiology pocket iPharmacy Pill ID & Drug Info
  1.  
Chicken Pox Remedies – Symptoms & Treatment Med Helper Pill Reminder
  1.  
Children’s Health Pocket Med Helper Pro Pill Reminder
  1.  
Chronic Diseases Medica Reminders
  1.  
Clinical Sense Medicine Help – Find Medicines
  1.  
COPD @Point of Care Medicine M.R.P-Health Free app
  1.  
DailyRounds Doctor’s CME&Cases Medicine Manager
  1.  
Dermatology A-Z Medicine MRP in INDIA
  1.  
Diabetes @Point of Care Medicine Reminder
  1.  
Diabetes Clinical Care Medicine Reminder Free
  1.  
Diabetes Mellitus Pocket Medicine Tracker
  1.  
Diabetes Pilot Pro MedicineList+
  1.  
Diabetes Treatment Medminder
  1.  
Diagnosis & Therapy: The Pro Symptom Checker & Tracker for Physical, Occupational, Speech ddx & Blood Test Guide FREE! MedReminder
  1.  
Dictionary Diseases&Disorders Meds Tracker Free
  1.  
Digestive Disorders: Facts on Food Biology of Digestion & Nutrition System Anatomy Health Tips 1000! MedsDiary – Never miss a medicine!
  1.  
Disease Dictionary My Breathefree
  1.  
Disease hand book My Meds
  1.  
Diseases And Symptoms My PillBox (Meds&Pill Reminder)
  1.  
Diseases Dictionary Free 2016 MyDawaai
  1.  
Diseases Dictionary Medical MyMeds
  1.  
Diseases Dictionary Offline: FREE Navia: Health Manager
  1.  
Disorder & Diseases Dictionary OneRx-Drug Savings & Coupons
  1.  
Ebola Disease PharmEasy- 20% off Medicines!
  1.  
ECG A – Z Pro Pill
  1.  
eMedic Pill Reminder
  1.  
Emergency Medicine Stanford Review Pill Time
  1.  
EMS Pediatric Guide Pillzzz 2
  1.  
Encyclopedia of Cancer Quido-Rx Digitization
  1.  
Encyclopedia of Medicine RapidRx – Smarter Healthcare
  1.  
Encyclopedia of Mental Health RX Pal Family Pill Minder Free
  1.  
Encyclopedia of Senior Health Youwell - Health Organizer
  1.  
Endocrine Diseases: Facts on Endocrinology, Hormones and Fast Metabolism Dictionary!  
  1.  
ERres- Emergency Medicine  
  1.  
Gastroenterology Pocket  
  1.  
GIPiOS  
  1.  
Gynecologic Cancers @Point of Care  
  1.  
Heart conditions & Treatments  
  1.  
Hepatitis C @Point of Care  
  1.  
Hypoparathyroidism @Point of Care  
  1.  
iCancer Health: Cancer Care - Virtual Care at Home  
  1.  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis @Point of Care  
  1.  
Immune Disorders: The Immune System and Facts on Immunology & Allergy  
  1.  
Immuno-Oncology @Point of Care  
  1.  
Injuries & Wounds: First Aid, CPR & Choking, Wound Care Terminology Central  
  1.  
Kidney Conditions & Treatment  
  1.  
Kidney Diseases Facts: Urology Health Eval Tips Tool, Simulations, Guide and Behavior with Renal & Dialysis Glossary Review!  
  1.  
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) @Point of Care  
  1.  
Manage My Pain Lite  
  1.  
Manage My Pain Pro  
  1.  
MASCC Antiemesis Tool (MAT)  
  1.  
MD on Call  
  1.  
Medical Dictionary - Diseases  
  1.  
Medical Dictionary - Diseases  
  1.  
Medical Disease Dictionary  
  1.  
Medicine and Treatment  
  1.  
Medrills: Pediatric Medical Emergencies  
  1.  
Mental Illness: Facts on Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD Test, Screening, Treatment and Self Help Management Free!  
  1.  
Micropedia - Medical Microbiology  
  1.  
Mobile REMM – Radiation Emergency Medical Management  
  1.  
Multiple Myeloma @Point of Care  
  1.  
Multiple Myeloma Resource Center  
  1.  
Multiple Sclerosis @Point of Care  
  1.  
Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis & Management  
  1.  
My Injury  
  1.  
My Knee Injury  
  1.  
Natural Apnea Remedies - Stop Sleep Disorder & Snoring  
  1.  
neurology guide  
  1.  
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer@ Point of Care  
  1.  
Nursing Care Plans - Free  
  1.  
OncAmigo  
  1.  
Ophthalmology pocket  
  1.  
Pain Management pocketcards  
  1.  
palmEM: Emergency Medicine  
  1.  
palmPEDi: Pediatric Tape  
  1.  
Parkinson’s Disease @Point of Care  
  1.  
Pediatric pocket  
  1.  
Pediatrics App  
  1.  
Pocket Doctor First Aid  
  1.  
Prognosis: Diabetes  
  1.  
Prognosis: Emergency Medicine  
  1.  
Prognosis: Hematology  
  1.  
Prognosis: Infectious diseases  
  1.  
Prognosis: Neurology  
  1.  
Prognosis: Respiratory  
  1.  
Prognosis: Rheumatology  
  1.  
Prognosis: STDs  
  1.  
Prostate Cancer @Point of Care  
  1.  
Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis @Point of Care  
  1.  
Psychiatry Pocket  
  1.  
Psychosomatic Consultation pocketcard  
  1.  
QuickEM  
  1.  
QUICKmedicine  
  1.  
Respiratory Tract Infection  
  1.  
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) @Point of Care  
  1.  
Sanford Guide: Antimicrobial Rx  
  1.  
Sign & Symptoms Anaemia  
  1.  
Sign & Symptoms Cholesterol  
  1.  
Signs & Symptoms Diabetic Macular Oedema  
  1.  
Signs & Symptoms Dyslipidaemias  
  1.  
Signs & Symptoms Migraine  
  1.  
Skin Care, Diseases Dictionary & Treatment Offline  
  1.  
Spine Conditions & Treatment  
  1.  
Stroke Prevention in Afib @Point of Care  
  1.  
Thyroid Disease – Helpful Guide  
  1.  
Thyroid Symptoms Treatment  
  1.  
Top 800 Disease Condition  

Table 4: Multifunctional Apps.

S. No Multi-Functional Apps
  1.  
1 mg-Save on Medicine/Lab Tests
  1.  
1mg
  1.  
Antibiotics pocket
  1.  
CIMS India
  1.  
Clinicalkey
  1.  
Doctor +
  1.  
Drugs.com medication guide
  1.  
DynaMed mobile
  1.  
Epocrates plus
  1.  
Epocrates reference tools for healthcare providers
  1.  
Medical dictionary diseases
  1.  
MedMemo
  1.  
Medscape
  1.  
Omnio
  1.  
UpToDate

Apps for Drug and Poison Information Centre: After a careful search, we couldn’t find any apps for drug and poison information centre providing drug and poison information service meeting our inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Need of the Drug and Poison Information Services: [10-13] Promotion and provision of independent unbiased drug information and poison management options to improve patient care.

Fundamental activity of growth of clinical pharmacy education and practice

• Provide accurate and appropriate drug information for the patient specific queries.

• Drug information services provide healthcare practitioner with timely, evidence-based drug information to promote safe and rationale use of medications.

• Drug information services assist in variety of other situations like: development of therapeutic guideline, antibiotic guidelines and formulary preparation.

• By providing drug information it is reported to prevent adverse drug events.

• In a world where over a million formulations are available in the market, practitioners have limited access to reference books or computer based databases resources easy access to reliable and independent information is fundamental for the rationale and effective use of drugs.

Advantages of smartphone app

Overall there are a wide number of health care applications for smartphones in different platforms that demonstrate comprehensive medical information leading to achieve appropriate clinical decisions and deliver healthcare services with better accuracy and confidence. Also, certain apps make patients comfortable with their treatment by improving their overall experience and health and become engaged participants in the process

Mobile devices and apps provide many benefits for healthcare professionals perhaps most significantly increased access to point of care that has been shown to support better clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes [1]. The use of mobile devices by health care professionals has transformed many aspects of clinical practice [1]. Mobile devices have become common place in health care settings, leading to rapid growth in the development of healthcare apps for many OS platforms [1,4]. Numerous apps are now available to assist healthcare professionals with many important tasks such as, information and time management, health record maintenance and access, communications and consulting, reference and information gathering, patient management and monitoring, clinical decisionmaking, medical education and training [1]. Also, healthcare apps are routinely useful in two situations:

Updating knowledge: The smartphone healthcare apps are helpful for healthcare professionals to maintain up-to-date knowledge about the growing medical industry and provide information about the new drugs.

Emergency time: The smartphone healthcare apps provide flexible information anywhere at any time to healthcare professionals and patients [14].

Advantages of mobile apps

Benefit by reducing time: [1,15] The smartphone healthcare apps are helpful for healthcare professionals in reducing time spent in accessing information and it also fosters better communication that can result in success and potentially increased patient outcome. The research found that 86 percent of healthcare professionals believe that healthcare apps will increase their knowledge of patients’ conditions. 96 percent of users think that healthcare apps help to improve patients’ quality of life, and 72 percent of healthcare professionals believe that healthcare apps will encourage patients to take more responsibility for their health.

Benefits in providing quality care: [16] Health care information access, affordability, and quality are problems all around the world. Mobile technology offers ways to help with these challenges. Through mobile health care applications, sensors, medical devices, and remote patient monitoring products, there are avenues through which health care delivery can be improved. These technologies can help lower costs by facilitating the delivery of care, and connecting people to their health care providers. Applications allow both providers and patients to have access to reference materials, lab tests, and medical records using mobile devices.

Benefits to healthcare professionals: [9,14,17,18] Ideally, healthcare professionals require access to many types of resources in a clinical setting, which can also be easier by using smartphone healthcare apps.

Communication capabilities like voice calling, video conferencing, text, and email.

Hospital information systems (like electronic health records (EHRs), electronic medical records (EMRs), clinical decision support systems (CDSSs), picture archiving and communication systems (PACSs), and laboratory information systems (LISs).

Informational resource like textbooks, guidelines, medical literature, drug references.

Clinical applications software like disease diagnosis aids, medical calculators.

Benefits to patients: [4,9,19,20] “Mobile apps for smartphones are changing the way doctors and their patients approach medicine and health issues” said by Vincent De Robertis, Senior Vice President of Global Health Care at Research Now, patients with heart disease can send information about their heart rate straight to their doctors, accessories allow diabetics to monitor their blood glucose levels by sending the results straight to their smartphone, and nutritionists can see trends in patients caloric intake and exercise patterns. Apps are improving healthcare professional’s knowledge of their patients, while patients feel a lift in their quality of life.

Safety and quality

Medical apps are the most dynamic field in medicine system and are widely used as a quick reference by a majority of healthcare providers and patients. Their faster accessibility makes them a vital tool in gathering and analyzing an information resulting in better clinical practice, system consistency, and convenient communications [21]. Though, studies stated that more than 85% of healthcare professionals own a smartphone and among them nearly 50% utilize the medical apps in the point of patient care [1,22,23], unfortunately, there has been minimal illustration of the safety of medical apps [22]. Some numerous strategies are to be established to develop evidence-based medical apps while withholding their open nature [22]. As medical apps allow the user to feed the patient information along with medical tests results to automatically provide the management plans., therefore, providing the appropriate utilization of the information technology is exigency.

Fortunately, the previous studies have not been reported any danger to patients by medical apps [22]. Accordingly, the FDA took step-up and published a general guideline to regulate the quality and safety of a certain medical apps. The FDA described the apps to be under the concern such as, apps that regulate and control the medical devices and also apps that deliver the patient specific medical data device such as electrocardiographic. Moreover, apps that involve in generating diagnosis and treatment recommendation, additionally apps that provide medical measurements through using attachments or sensors [24]. Predominately, medical professional’s involvement is mandatory in developing accurate evidence-based and reliable medical apps.

Currently better standards and validation practices regarding mobile apps need to be established to ensure the authenticity of information/function delivered by healthcare apps. By doing so a barrier can be created to the entry of mobile apps into the market, increasing the quality and safety of the apps use for the healthcare professionals.

Transformation

Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of US health and human services in her keynote address at the 2011 annual Health summit in the Washington stated about health as the biggest technology breakthrough of this time, used to address the nation’s greatest challenge [25]. There are numerous reasons for the high degree of exuberance for the concept of medical apps which include the high capital being spent on health care every year, rapid and substantial increase in the mobile phones and the need for delivering an evidence-based medicine and individualized patient care. Medical apps benefit the health care providers and the consumers in numerous ways such as disease diagnosis and management, drug information, patient education [25]. These provide enough evidence that mobile apps can transform the current medical system and be a remarkable service. Medical apps usage has its ability in analyzing, tracking of medical information and eliminating some numerous unwanted medical emergencies. A wide range of medical apps are developed for treating acute as well as chronic diseases. Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus and other chronic conditions which accounts for about 90% of health care spending can be appropriately treated and well monitored through medical apps which in turn reduce the rush at the emergency departments of hospitals [25,26]. Medical apps have transformed the system to a self-care and self-management platform to a patient, while the physician can deliver a needful service to the patients who need critical care [26]. Additionally, clinicians can have reduced time demands and focus on another field of medicines which need more efforts and researches. Medical apps hence continue to revolutionize the current healthcare system.

Future trends

The rapid advancement in medical apps and their increased usage turns medical apps into an integral part of the daily health care practice in coming up future. It’s growing accessibility and updated medical information delivery has dragged it to play a substantial role in clinical care system already. Moreover, its widespread usage give way to its bright future a head [4,14,27]. Recent studies showed that junior doctors (two years of their practice) have caused prescription errors that varied from almost 7-10%. Nevertheless, significant error rates occur also among expert doctors. Adoption of medical apps by healthcare professionals have shown to significantly reduce medication errors [28]. Medical apps avoiding errors or providing potential solution for practicing errors have marked its place in future healthcare technology [8]. Accurate, updated, safe, cost-effective and scientifically sound medical apps facilitate its acceptance among the health care professionals [22]. However, it is an inevitable fact that medical apps hold potential dangers. Healthcare authorities, regulatory bodies and other accrediting bodies should take enough responsibilities in assessing the quality of medical apps. Looking forward, it is expected that since medical apps successfully established in the medical world, there should be more efforts and research on selection, implementation and usage of quality medical apps [22]. Hence the effective and timely use of medical apps not only has a huge role in self-care of patients but also it hones skills of a physician.

Expansion challenges

Though medical apps are trending in the current healthcare system, its open nature withholds a few challenges for its growth. While medical apps continue to improve the healthcare system through its convenient usage, better clinical decision-making, high accuracy and productivity, there are several disputes arising ranging from immense support to strong objection [9,27]. Challenges include the questionable reliability in clinical decisions made through medical apps and questions are often raised regarding the reliability and appropriateness of a generated care plans. Another concern of debate about medical apps usage is the confidentiality of patient data with respect to privacy. The ethical issue arising out of the protection of patient data is worth considering [14,28]. In addition, medical apps are observed to create a care gap between patient and physicians as they do not keep often a direct doctor-patient relationship. Therefore, lack of a doctor-patient rapport is suspected to reduce the quality of patient care. Nevertheless, the rapid development and increased use of medical apps in the present medical system has disadvantaged the older health care professionals who are not so familiar to adopting mobile devices [29]. Moreover, significant objection has aroused against medical apps because of their continuous use in personal and professional lives of physicians. Many medical, legal, and ethical issues have been raised and put as a challenge to the acceptance of medical apps in healthcare setup [9,27]. Overall, a transparent and standard conduct is necessary for bringing up high quality medical apps that encourage a comprehensive healthcare system.

Conclusion

Medical apps are already valuable and inevitable tools for healthcare professional in this century of advanced technology. Numerous apps are available to assist healthcare professional in many tasks. Moreover, these applications help to bridge the gap between the healthcare providers and patients. However rigorous and critical evaluation, validation is required to improve the quality and safety of these tools. Medical apps that provide accurate, timely meaningful guidance information are likely to transform the healthcare from episodic and reactive to continuous and proactive. Comprehensive review that includes description, logo, platform, download size, rating and cost of 277 included apps from a total of 9178 identified healthcare apps was prepared. Further this systematic and comprehensive review process in main three platforms shows there is no app for drug and poison information centre to provide drug and poison information service.

References

Google Scholar citation report
Citations: 2128

Journal of Health & Medical Informatics received 2128 citations as per Google Scholar report

Journal of Health & Medical Informatics peer review process verified at publons

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