A review of the new Mac compatible ePocrates Rx Pro
By Robert Rollings, MD
I have been a Palm user since the original Palm Pilot became available and over. As well the years, I have used a variety of handheld drug databases costing hundreds of dollars. When ePocrates software first became available, I stopped using the other drug databases and switched solely toswitched entirely to it and ePocrates. Since then, I have upgraded to every new ePocrates version have been using every version as it has become available. Though I have found all these versions valuable, I have anxiously awaiting the day when the ePocrates AutoUpdate feature would become Mac compatible. This feature which up until recently has only been available for Windows users, now enables Mac users to update the software by simply pushing the HotSync button while connected to the Internet, thereby integrating daily changes/additions made by the ePocrates editorial team. AutoUpdate also enables users to download formularies from the ePocrates website and to receive medication safety messages (called DocAlert messages) on their PDAs. . I have worked on PC and Apple platforms interchangeably, but given a preference, I generally use my PowerbookG4So when I heard that ePocrates was developing a Mac version of their premium ePocrates Rx Pro software with AutoUpdate, I was very excited to help beta test, using my Powerbook G4 to download the software from the ePocrates website.. I had been extremely excited when hearing of the Mac version of ePocrates Pro, and ecstatic when invited to beta test it. As usualTypical of my experience with ePocrates software, it the latest version has run flawlessly.
I incorporate its userely on ePocrates Rx Pro every day, all day. With costs being so much a consideration with the drugs I prescribe, the formulary feature has been pivotal in selecting drugs my patients can afford. My nurses love the fact that the number of formulary switches has gone down, decreasing their work and our office overhead...., since the formulary feature helps us make prescribing the dedecisions is made at the point of care. The resulting patient satisfaction is huge. My patients...they have muchare very appreciative more appreciation forof my efforts on their behalfto help them , save money and, and save time filing their prescriptions, and also to reduce hassles at the pharmacy.
As well, the multicheckThe MultiCheck drug interaction checker is another phenomenal feature feature is phenomenal. I can barely keep up with cardiovascular pharmacology alone, and the ability to be sensitive to real drug interactions efficiently and in real time is pivotal. A day does not pass when using MultiCheck helps me I avoid a reaction or diagnose one earlier than might have ever been possible. Patients have are immediately reassurrancede when they know I am checking out their complaints in front of them and to their great pleasure, I often....and I involve them in the process to their great pleasure. The addition of alternative medications and their interactions with prescription drugs has been a tremendous boost given their widespread use!
Using the ePocrates ID infectious disease guide has also allowed me to predictably order appropriate regimens which saves the patient and hospital money and reduces errors. As a cardiologist, I am often faced with potentially serious infections. U…using ePocrates ID, I feel confident with everything from endocarditis to septicemia in terms of stabilizing the patient until cultures are back and my expert colleagues are available to help.
The DocAlert messaginge function in the Pro package is a fantastic way to stay up-to-date with every HhotSsync. There is no other reliable way to get reminders about important changes in medication labellinglabeling and study results, as well as CDC updates. No matter how often one tries to touch base with journals and web-updates,…this ePocrates DocAlert messages provide is the best, most immediate, and most reliable information. It’s almost like having a personal research assistant!
In addition, I have been most very impressed with the Tables section. When I was a resident in Internal Medicine, my wife and I compiled a small pocket pamphlet (Facts and Formulas) whichthat compiled summarized vital tables and formulas including the ACLS algorithm. ThisThe tables “Pro” feature is are unbelievably useful, even more so because it isthey are continually updatedupdated! The addition of the PALS algorithm and all of the other useful tables really has made this an invaluable addition to an already feature- packed program.
Most importantly, I have noted noticed that my speedI am practicing much more efficiently and with higher confidenceconfidence is much higher, whether in the hospital or in the office. The ePocrates ID has as well allowed me to predictably order appropriate regimens which saves the patient and hospital money and reduces errors.
To have this all available on the Mac platform has created the elegance factor...form and function. I am an avid supporter of the Palm OS, the Mac, and ePocrates Rx Pro, which brings it all together.all this valuable content and functionality together to benefit the Mac healthcare community.
Robert Rollings, M.D.
Savannah CardiologyDr. Rollings is a cardiologist living and practicing in Savannah, Georgia.
Savannah, Georgia 31405
