Windows Phone Thoughts: Examining Epocrates Essentials

Epocrates Dx
Coming from Epocrates Rx Pro, I had high expectations of Epocrates Dx, and it happily lived up to it! The user interface is very similar to Epocrates Rx Pro, so you need not learn a whole new interface when switching between the two components of the Epocrates Essentials package. Epocrates Dx is sourced from Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult (5MCC), and is a well-structured reference to over 1,200 diseases and conditions, and much like Epocrates Rx Pro, the list entries are in alphabetical order but can be sorted in different ways (in this case, by diagnosis or by system). This happily allows for accommodation of almost every user's personal preference of browsing. The "Look Up" and "Epocrates Find" features I mentioned earlier are again present in Epocrates Dx, and function the same way. This simplifies the arduous task of finding information on a particular disease or condition in Epocrates Dx's huge database. Tapping on a disease name directs you to the main screen which, like Epocrates Rx Pro, features a drop-down box that allows you to browse through the list of subsections available. They are: Basics, Signs / Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Medications, Related Topics, Miscellaneous, and Notes. The information here is extensive, so let's have a look at what is on offer.

• Basics: This subsection makes good use of bookmarks, making navigation a breeze! It goes into great detail on the description of the disease or condition, and provides data on associative genetic factors where appropriate. However, it doesn't stop there! There is further material on the incidence and prevalence of the condition in the USA, age and sex predominance, paediatric and geriatric age-related outcomes, and risk factors. This is a wealth of information for both students and physicians alike, particularly those currently involved in public health. Aside from that, there is also a great deal of content on possible complications, expected course and prognosis, and associated conditions. Overall, there is a lot of statistical data presented in this subsection and it's good knowing that this is constantly revised and updated by the Epocrates team.
  
• Signs / Symptoms: This subsection has a lot of content on signs and symptoms of the disease or condition. I cross-referenced the content with that of other well-known medical textbooks and was very happy with the great deal of accuracy shown in Epocrates Dx. The material is presented in bullet-point form making it very easy to read.
  
• Causes: Much like the previous subsection, bullet-points are used to ease the reading process. Some statistical data is also seen in this section, and can be correlated with content in the "Basics" subsection. Overall, it is very well integrated.
  
• Diagnosis: This is one of the bigger subsections of Epocrates Dx. While "Diagnosis" may sound straightforward by name, there is actually a lot to it and a great deal of integration is seen with Epocrates Lab so as to enhance information on diagnostic testing. The bookmark structure utilised in the "Basics" subsection is seen once again. There is a multitude of information on differential diagnosis, as well as information on imaging techniques and special tests suitable for diagnosis (interpretation of test results is also included). Aside from that, there is also material on diagnostic procedures as well as pathological findings relevant to the condition. Items listed in this area link back to the main interface of Epocrates Dx, thus allowing you to search for additional information on related diseases and conditions. Alongside that goldmine of content, Epocrates Dx finally includes information on laboratory testing (including drugs and disorders that may affect this), and due to the integrative structure of the Epocrates Essentials suite, it allows you to flick through to the next component (Epocrates Lab) to search for additional information on these laboratory procedures.
  
• Treatment: Just when I thought "Diagnosis" was filled with information, I was pleasantly surprised to see the "Treatment" subsection deliver more of the same, and it is definitely an integral part to any reference guide on diseases and conditions. The bookmark structure is employed once more. Topics discussed include general and surgical measures, prevention methods and activity and dietary factors. This subsection goes so far to even discuss general health care settings and education programs suitable for the patient. It was astounding to see Epocrates Dx go into such great clinical detail. Where drug names are listed as forms of treatment, Epocrates Dx provides links which take you back to Epocrates Rx Pro for further information.
  
• Medications: More of the same integration is seen in this subsection. It focuses on drugs and alternative medicines which may be worth considering when treating the patient.
  
• Related Topics: It does what it says! Related diseases and/or conditions are listed here and linked to the respective part of Epocrates Dx so as to provide more information to the user.
  
• Miscellaneous: Where information cannot be classed in the other subsections, it is featured here instead. If you wanted to know the ICD-9-CM codes, you got it! Aside from that, synonymous terms of the disease or condition are also provided, and known factors affecting pregnancy are also listed.
  
• Notes: This subsection is exactly the same as that in Epocrates Rx Pro and allows you to add extra notes which may aid you in the future.

Figure 9: Epocrates Dx offers a multitude of subsections to browse through.

So the verdict on Epocrates Dx? It's excellent and can be regarded as one of the best disease reference guides available. Its integrative capabilities with Epocrates Rx Pro and Epocrates Lab only add to its overall value.