DrConnected

Medicine and technology have long gone hand in hand and the latest mobile technology is no exception. The iPhone offers an incredibly easy and portable way to carry your medical reference notes and guides with you at all times, so make the most of it with these fantastic apps.

• Epocrates – The Epocrates family of reference guides have been popular with medical professionals for some time now and this latest mobile version for iPhone is as impressive as you would expect. The number one drug reference guide used by physicians at present, Epocrates is definitely one to keep handy. Containing information on thousands of prescription and over the counter drugs, a pill identification function, the latest medical news and the ability to check if up to 30 drugs are likely to effect each other when taken simultaneously, this is an invaluable reference guide.

• iFirstAid – We know that medical professionals are likely to know exactly what to do in any emergency situation but what if something comes up that you haven’t encountered before? Better safe than sorry, we say. Download this handy app to your iPhone to make sure you can find out what to do in case of burns, poisoning, drug overdoses, CPR and more. The age-specific advise gives you peace of mind that you’re doing the right thing when dealing with a child and the easy to read one line guides contain a lot more information when you request it.

• The Merck Manual Professional Edition –  As an internet connection is not required to access the vast content of this app, it is fantastic for those moment when you need to look something up on the go. Featuring detailed information on thousands of diseases and clinical treatments, this manual is made up of the work of over 300 contributors so you know you’re getting expert information from whatever field you need. The paper version of the Merck Manual has been trusted by professionals for over one hundred years and this iPhone version is no less reliable. Allowing users to bookmark their favorites and automatically saving the browsing history, this could well prove invaluable as well as saving you precious time daily.

• Medscape – The most downloaded free medical app of 2010, Medscape contains an extensive database of thousands of branded, generic and over the counter drugs, a thousand herbal remedies and both adult and pediatric dosage. The app also includes information on over 3,500 diseases, conditions and treatments along with daily medical news and alerts and content written by trusted professionals and experts. Medscape also allows its users to continue their medical education by completing CME/CE content across thirty specialisms.

• MedAbbreviations – A handy reference guide of over 13,000 abbreviations spanning many medical fields, this app is great to have to hand for quick searching. Search by abbreviation or scroll through the alphabetical index to find the entry you need, then bookmark it for future use by simply double-tapping. Entering the details screen of an abbreviation will allow you to search for further information should you wish to do so. The content is regularly updated.