• How effectively ECG analysis app can help clinicians with analyzing electrocardiograms?

Introduction

Electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG) are most commonly used diagnostic test for treating heart patient.

An ECG is widely used by doctors to analyze the abnormal heart rhythms and other diseases like a myocardial infarction. ECG Analysis app is a tool that can provide guidance to doctors in ECG interpretation.

User Interface

The app includes two guided algorithms i.e. systematic ECG analysis and Acute Coronary Syndrome.

In systematic ECG analysis, the app leads user by a series of steps in analyzing an ECG, initializing with the rhythm. If the ECG lie in sinus rhythm, the user choose Yes, if not, then No.

If the answer is Yes, the app takes user to a next step of analyzing the rate.

If the rhythm is NO, app bring user to a section where interpretation of ectopic rhythms process.

The algorithm continues until it takes user at a final conclusion and here the app displays the result of the provided information. The additional notes are available at the right side of the screen.

The app also allow user to take picture of different leads of ECG and can match those images with built-in images provided by the app.

From the Acute Coronary Syndromes section, user can review different ischemic patterns that appear on the ECG.

ECG analysis app is a great idea. The interface is multi-colored and intuitive. The ECG photo sharing and ability to analyze with built-in images is a neat tool. The app could be a useful tool for doctors and they can use in emergency cases to interpret ECGs, identify and to treat ACS.

The ECG analysis has somehow achieved its goals. Every ECG machine interpret the report and automatically and it is entirely based on doctor’s own clinical judgment and skills to decide the diagnosis.

Merits

• Free
• Easy to use interface
• Built-in images to analyze the derived ECG report
• Limited usability
• Limited algorithmic approach

Demerits

Conclusions

• Undoubtedly, ECG analysis app gives comprehensive approach of ECG interpretation. The app’s idea is innovative but as every ECG machine automatically interprets the report and the further analysis is based on the doctor’s professional skills. This app is only available for iPhone and iPad.

• To evaluate the performance of this app?
• To check whether or not it can assist the students or lab staff in laboratory work?

Introduction

Chemistry Lab Suite is an app developed with the ambition of helping the students studying chemistry, peptide chemistry and mass spectrometry (both proteomics and metabolomics). Also this app can be used by the laboratory assistants.

The Chemistry Lab Suite app is divided into four sections which are as follows:

• Solutions (solutions and buffers) – allows to determine solution for for dilutions and stock/working.
• Proteins (peptides, proteins, and amino acids) – calculate the fragment masses, look up for structures and properties and protein information
• Peptide Synthesis – provides useful information on solid phase peptide protocol, synthesis, and reagent properties.
• Chemicals (chemicals and elements) - allows information of chemical formula, calculation of molecular weight, and a list of element of periodic table with relevant information

User Interface

Chemistry Lab Suite consists of a simple and intuitive user interface and it takes the user automatically to the new step, hence, it supports user to find information with ease. So after choosing a top-level category it takes to a next page with more detailed option and this process goes on until user reaches its desired tool. Furthermore, the app is understandable. The developers have designed it elegantly that it requires minimum scrolling that makes easier for user to find the information.

The app is learning source for students and lab assistants. Some sections entirely belong to practical work i.e. lab work, while other contents are very informative. This makes this app suitable for every individual associated with study of chemistry

Chemistry Lab Suite’s design is useful for dynamic functionality and its tools are specially organized for on-the-job use in the lab work.

Merits

• Simple, intuitive and interactive user interface.
• Dynamic and visual lab tools

Demerits

• Lack of transparency about the app developer and its credentials

Conclusions

• The app is an informative tool to perform lab calculation and other utilities.
• Contains effective tools for determining protocols, stock solution recipes and calculations.
• Useful for both students and lab assistants.

• to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kids’ Wellness Tracker app
• to check the drug recommendations provided by the app

Introduction

The childhood period is the most important phase of life for parents as well as for child itself. That is the time where a child needs the special care and intention of parents. Especially in health matters, the parents are very conscious and they try to protect their child from every possible factor that can lead to child health problems. Hence, every parent tries to make documentation of child’s medical record. But sometimes, due to busy schedule, unintentionally they forget to document their health and sickness. Therefore, The Kids Wellness Tracker app is designed for the assistance of parents and it provides a means to monitor and document their child’s health and illnesses.

User Interface

The app has intuitive user interface. The opening screen you to the children’s page, which contains the list of child(ren) you have added to the app. On top right there is a “+” button from where you can make the profile of child. All the information such as: child’s name, date of birth, height, weight, gender, and even formula preferences and drug flavor can be inserted from there. Additionally, the screen contains the link of Get the Right Dose section and learning resources.

In child profile section, if you are not interested in right dose bar, you can only take the general dose query. This takes you to the Dosing Calculator section. In this section the child’s date of birth and weight will be entered and the app provide you the information about dosing and formulation recommendations.  All the medicines and dosage includes the pictures that makes it easy to understand.

The doctors can also send you recommendation about the dosage (if the doctor uses the Mobile Health Pro). It can be accessed through “from doctor” section. Also you can look for specific dosage for each child by choosing from the child list.

Selecting a child from the home page brings you the dosing calculator, symptom tracker, medicine tracker, vaccine tracker and height/weight/IBM.

On tabbing the Symptom tracker, you can add/track any number of symptoms. In case, you are unable to find your child’s symptom listed, you can search or add it in.

The Medicine tracker section takes you to write about medicine i.e. what medicine(s) you have given to your child.

The Vaccine tracker section allows you to add the information about vaccination such as name and appointment date of the vaccination administered.

The Height/Weight/BMI section contains data entry for these parameters, also provides the ability to check your child’s growth chart.

The top left menu appears in each section of the app it allows navigates between function of the apps like previously discussed child-specific section, learning resources section, and the My Settings section.

From the My Settings tab you can personalize the app for units of measure and security PIN.

Merits

• Free
• Intuitive and easy to use interface
• Can add data of multiple children
• Symptoms trackers allows parents to keep track of their child record and it also remind assessment of symptoms
• and timer to remind assessment of symptoms
• Security PIN option available
• Features vaccination, health and BMI tracking

Demerits

• User could not write the new vaccination
• Child preferences section cannot be modified which medicines are listed or recommended
• No substitute to Motrin or Motrinare recommended
• Lack of email feature for tracked items

Conclusions

• The Kid’s Wellness Tracker app is intuitive and multifunctional app allowing for medicine, symptom, vaccination and body measurement monitoring. The app is usually a drug-specific but it also help in personalization of medications.
• The provided dose recommendations are found to be accurate and according to the child’s age/weight.

To evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the Bates’s pocket guide app.

Introduction

The Bates’ Pocket Guide to Physical Examination and History is an app that includes the important learning resources for medical students. This app is highly praised by the medical students that is why the developers have launched its 7^th addition.

User Interface

The opening screen of app includes the table of contents. The chapters are listed according to name and number.

After selecting a chapter, it leads to a table of content related to that chapter. This table of contents item on the right side of the split screen.

On tapping a section slides and choosing the interested information from the table of contents and brings up that section. User can navigate between and within sections by scrolling them vertically.

The developers have used the excellent combination of pictures and data. Each chapter contains the pictures of techniques which makes the information easy to understand. Also the pictures are used for variety of formats of interpretive aids.

The left-sided tool bar is always there throughout the app. With this tool bar user can navigates back in the hierarchical order, create and navigates to the bookmarks/highlights/notes, search page numbers and terms and individualize view options.

Images and tables can also be used for adding notes and bookmarking the favorite one for future consideration. The app is linked with Inkling and the social networking site i.e. Facebook.  With Bates’ pocket dictionary user can take notes and share them with other users of this app.

Likes

• Easy to understand user interface
• Information can be printed
• Supports landscape and portrait view
• Strong integration between tables, text, images, photos, and other pages
• Clear photo quality for both iPhone and iPad

Dislikes

• Limited access to video format
• Slideshows act as a collection of tables and images not run in as automated fashion

Conclusion

• Bates’ pocket guide app is a useful tool for learning the medical physical examination skills.
• As the app is very expensive therefore the included references are based on trusted medical text.
• This app is only available for the iPad and iPhone.

• to analyze the benefits of JAMA Network Reader mobile app
• to evaluate the usability of the app and its features

Introduction

The trend of reading the books is shifting towards e-books, that is the reason every smartphone company is trying to develop the apps that supports the PDF, EPUB and other e-book formats. The Kindle and Nexus gains its popularity as an e-book reader. From customer point of view it is more convenient to have the smartphone that supports the app for e-book rather than a full-fledge e-book reader device. Hence, many of the authors are offering their books in e-book format so that everyone can access it easily.

Along with books, many journals are developing the apps for smartphones that allow user to access it from their mobiles. The JAMA (Journal of American Medical Association) Network is a famous medical. The JAMA authorities have introduced a JAMA network reader web app that supports nearly 10 field-specific JAMA-journals.

User Interface

To download this app you need to visit http://mobile.jamanetwork.com/, and follow the instruction.

The app opens with a page ask for your email address. This address will use for accessing he JN Reader app. In case you are not registered, the app will take you to the registration page where you can get yourself register by filling the form. After completing the registration process that app will take you to the process of how to install JN Reader on your device.

So after completing the installation process you can successfully start this app. On running the app, it leads you to an opening where you need to enter the email address. The next screen contains the list of 10 journals that you can access via this app such as JAMA, JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, JAMA Neurology, JAMA Dermatology, JAMA Surgery, JAMA Psychiatry, JAMA Internal Medicine, JAMA Ophthalmology, JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and JAMA Pediatrics. You can select the journal from by tapping the “+” button or you can also delete the journal unwanted journal.

To access the offline library or to bookmark the page for future need, you can use the top left bar. Similarly, the top right section includes the search though the content of JN Reader app, change user setting or learn more about JAMA network.

There are two options right below the top toolbar – Journals and Issues.  On choosing the Journals user can navigates to the first page of recently used journals. Selecting Issues takes you to a screen where you can navigate between the various issues for a particular journal.

Upon selecting an issue or article, app takes you to the first page of issue/article. A split screen mode allows you to see or hide the table of contents. From top of table of content you can add or remove any issue from your offline library.

The app also support the formatting option such as from bottom toolbar user can change the font size (three choices are available), ability to bookmark or share with yourself or friend.

Articles provide intra-article, extra-app, and intra-app links. Intra-article includes figures and tables.  The image can be viewed on tapping it.

With search function user can search the content though out the journals included in the app. along with search, user can filter the search results by journal(s). The articles can be emailed to others.

Merits

• Easy to use interface
• Can access the journals with ease
• Enlarged version of tables and figures are available.
• easy to understand instructions

Demerits

• lack of ability to highlight the text
• The frequent advertisement pop-ups at bottom of screen create irritation.
• Data before Jan 2012 can only be searched

Conclusion

• The JAMA Network Reader web app is an excellent source of journal reading.
• It provides access to 10 journals and the ability to download them.
• The JN Reader web app is available for every smartphones

To evaluate the performance, navigability and usability of the Cochrane Library iPad edition app.

Introduction

The Cochrane Library app is designed by a Cochrane Collaboration, a non-profit organization.  It is a medical research organization which is conducting a research in a systematic way to improve the evidence-based medicine. The Cochrane Library gives the publishing forum for the collaboration.

User Interface

The Cochrane Library app is designed for the iPad edition.

The opening screen of the app contains the option “My Library”. If there is a new issue available, the app will automatically prompt you to download it.

Select the view option to choose a particular issue and app will take you to the main page of the issue. From there, you can sideswipe between articles and the pages of the articles.

If you think sideswiping is too slow, you can also use the multi-colored navigation-bar at the bottom or the table of contents tab available on the left side.

The font size, audio, search, bookmarks, tags, and share by email can be managed from top toolbar.

The link to official website of Cochrane, appendices, and PDF are available throughout each article when appropriate. The search feature allows you to find the current issue through the app on you iPad.

Merits

• Easy to use interface
• Elegant use of colors
• PDF formatted articles
• Easy to understand language summary
• HTML links to the Cochrane Library
• Authentic references are included

Demerits

• Lack of updated issues
• Short versions of review available
• Inability to email or share an entire article
• No ability to highlight

Conclusions

• The Cochrane Library app is an excellent tool to access Cochrane Library content published as online issues. The Cochrane organization has designed the app that is easy to access and user can read the interesting articles.
• Currently, this app is only developed for iPad, not for iPhone and Android.

• To evaluate the effectiveness of features of app about medications
• Determine the functionality of the app used for sharing information with college colleagues

Introduction:

The American Pharmacist Association (APhA) is one of the few major pharmacy organizations dedicated to work for the progress of overall pharmacy practice.

APhA also provide up-to-date information to its members about major changes and advancement in medication. The organization has created the app with a mission to provide updated information on drug to its member and also about the developments and oversight. By using information they can change practices as required. Importantly, the information in the app is updated weekly. Moreover, information is about other specialties e.g. cardiology, nephrology, is also included in this app.

User Interface:

The app has the simple and easy to understand user interface. the opening screen of the app contains several option such as Home, Sections, Med Monitor, Search, and More. The Home screen displays all the updates from the DrugInfoLine.

Choosing an article takes the user to the article. All the information is divided into different section such as Key Points, Finer Points, What You Need To Know, and, What Your Patients Need To Know.

The Information is concise and short, featuring quick on-the-go reading. For in-depth study there are links available in the app.

The app has the limited function such as those who are not registered with APhA, only Key Points option is provided. If user wants to access the other section of the app he/she need to register with an APhA account. Also, the sharing feature only works for registered users.

The user can navigate the Sections component. This area contains specialties such as ID/Cancers, GI/Kidneys.

Med Monitor option contains the detail information about the medication such as new drug approval, alerts and recalls, and product withdrawals.

The APhA DrugInfoLine app also provides facility to save the articles. The search option allows user to look for the article through the app.

Likes:

• Easy to operate user interface.
• Information supplied from authentic resource

Dislikes:

• Full features are only available for members of APhA
• Lack of social media integration

Conclusion:

• APhA DrugInfoLine app is useful for the users who want to keep them up-to-date about with latest information related to drugs.
• The app automatically updates the information weekly.
• Full features can only access by the register users.
• Lack of social media integration.

To evaluate the function and applicability of ASCO Flashcards app

Introduction

The ASCO Flashcards app is developed with an ambition to provide assistance to medical practitioners in oncology topics.

The flashcards and flashcard format are developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

User Interface

On running the app for the first time, a brief orientation about the app is provides. Later on, this orientation can be get from the info section. The Home screen consists of the several options such as: Sign-In, Browse Decks, Favorite Decks, and Info.

Tapping the Browse Decks option takes user to a list of available decks.

For more detail, user can click on OPEN and it will take to Deck Details screen.

Currently, there are few options available in Deck such as info about general oncology sample only. The app brings user to a sing-in the Browse Decks area. The free registration can be made for free from ASCO website, but user need to purchase the deck for $75. On purchasing the deck you can access the 22 deck contains about 200 flashcards on different oncologic topics.

The Deck Details screen displays several items such as name of the deck, number of cards in the deck, and average score for the deck.

There is also a quiz feature available for you which bring the pre-specified order of flashcards. By sideswiping user can turn the flashcard from question to answer and vice versa. The Question and Answer format is based on multiply option.

The user can check the answers with correct or wrong/not sure. Moreover, user can flip back and forth within the question/answer pair. But user cannot change the order of flashcard and neither navigates within flashcards.

After completing a deck, the app leads to a result page where user can see how many card got correct and incorrect. From here user can retry correct cards, incorrect cards, or the all cards (quiz). Furthermore, the app also displays the result in a graph so that user can get the better get the more accurate result of its performance.

Merits

• Easy to understand user interface
• Decks are well- organized
• It allows user to check the correction of answers
• Ability to retry correct and incorrect answers

Demerits

• Expensive
• References for facts are not cited.
• No link is available to ASCO website

Conclusions

• The ASCO Flashcards app features a multiple format question to review oncologic topics quickly, but authentic citation is unavailable.
• There are limited special features.
• The full-featured app is expensive particularly for students.
• The app is available for the iPad, iPhone, and Android platform.

• Is this a medical app?
• Can Bowel Run create colon cancer awareness?

Introduction

Sometimes, the patients try to engage themselves in the gaming activity so that they can get out of the disease pressure. The same approach has been adopted by the developers of Bowel Run app. The application is designed to make colon cancer patient happy. In 2013 over 50,000 people killed in America due to Colon Cancer.

Bowel Run is a free app for iPhone and iPad that encourages users, “to dive right in, literally… Almost like your own fantastic voyage up the bowel tract shooting polyps, destroying cancerous masses, and of course, jumping over caverns of stool.” As this is a gaming app so it is interesting to see that how it could create the awareness among patients. The designers have included the several helpful health resources related to colon cancer awareness.

User Interface

Just like other gaming apps, the Bowel Run starts with the opening screen displays the big PLAY button in the center of the screen. After tapping the “Play” button, the user is shown as a running doctor who much jump over “caverns of stool” to collect pills, fruit and coins while shooting at pre­cancerous polyps or avoiding from cancerous tumors.

The chance over if player hits into a polyp or tumor or fall into the poop river.

Unfortunately the game wasn’t entertaining as it should be. No helpful links, no helpful facts, in short there is nothing in this app that can give some entertainment to patient.

Merits

• Free
• Turns colon cancer into something lighthearted.

Demerits

• Boring game
• Doesn’t deliver the expected result about colon cancer awareness and prevention.

Conclusions

• Bowel Run app is a boring and stressful app for colon cancer patients.
• Not single practical information is available regarding education resources.
• It doesn’t seem like a medical app
• Only available for iOS platform.

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Gestational Diabetes app
• How helpful it can be for prenatal care providers

Introduction

The Gestational Diabetes is a becoming a common obstetric problem which requires the close coordination between patient and doctor throughout the pregnancy, postmortem, labor and delivery for successful outcomes.

There are many management guides available on gestational diabetes but most of them are not trust-able and found to be paper copies. The Diagnosis and Management of Gestational Diabetes app is developed with a mission of providing the comprehensive solution for the management and diagnosis of gestational diabetes to patient as well as physicians.

User Interface

As it is an informative app, therefore, the developers have design its user interface simple and easy to understand. The opening page of Gestational diabetes app contains several options related to the pregnancy such as Definition, Benefits of Treatment, Diagnostic Tests, Monitoring Glucose Level, Tx-Diet, Tx-Simple Insulin Regimen etc. From definition to diagnosis, treatment to intrapartum, and from management to postmortem, this app provide complete guide.

Each section is slightly different from other. Like some section contains the information related to evidence base management strategy, while other section such as intrapartum management, provide immediate information about goals and then discuss about achieving these goals.

The treatment sections consist of two descriptions of insulin regimens complex and simple. The complex section provides two guides: step-by-step guide to calculating insulin requirements and an intra-app calculator.

Merits

• Well-organized section
• Easy to understand user interface
• appropriate combination of text and color
• inclusion of calculators within the gestational diabetes app
• medical students can use it as a learning resource

Demerits

• Lack of authentic references.
• Rather than 2, the complex regimen divides insulin into 3 doses

Conclusion

• The Diagnosis and Management of Gestational Diabetes app is easy to understand. the combination of color and text make it readable for users. Currently, the app is only available for iOS platform.
• The format and presentation style makes this app useful for not only physician but also for students. The inclusion of insulin calculator within the app saves time in lengthy calculation of determining the insulin.