A few weeks ago we posted about Five Useful Mobile Apps that we believe could be very useful to our readers. Since then we have received some recommendations from our readers and have found five more free smartphone apps we think our readers could benefit from. There is an app here for everyone – from expecting mothers and parents of young children to patients on Medicare. Click on the screenshots for larger images.
Clinical Tests and Procedures 
Have a medical procedure coming up and looking for more information? The Clinical Tests and Procedures App, released by Omesoft in January of 2012, is just what you are looking for. It is essentially a comprehensive database of medical tests and procedures, providing clear and concise information with a straightforward user interface. Patients can look up tests by type (Gastroenterology, Gynecology, Neurological, etc.) or do a general search. After finding the test or procedure, the patient is provided with information on how to prepare, reasons for the procedure, and how it is actually performed. Available on Android only.
Vaccines on the Go
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia released this great app in August this year. There is a lot of controversy recently about vaccines, and this app is aimed at providing users with clear, concise, and most importantly, factual information on vaccines. All of the information provided comes via the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s own Vaccine Education Center. Download this app to learn more about specific vaccines, set up a vaccination schedule, or to get scientific information on controversial topics regarding vaccination. Currently available for iPhone only. However, their site claims they are developing an Android version.
FDA Medwatcher App
The FDA created this app along with Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School to track the side effects of drugs and medical devices. In many instances it is up to the public to report to the FDA an issue with a particular device or drug. This app makes that process much easier for patients. But why report to the FDA? Norman Marks, M.D. from the FDA’s MedWatch Program explains, “Sometimes there are risks that only come to light after a medical product gets on the market and is used in a larger number of patients, for a longer period of time, and in patients whose health characteristics are different from those of the patients studied before approval.” So by reporting a problem with a drug or procedure, users are making us all safer in the long run. Users of the app also have access to drug information – release date, known side effects, and medical uses – and are sent alerts on drug safety and recalls. Available for iPhone and Android.
Best Drugs for Less
This app was created by Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs to provide users with an easy-to-navigate guide to medications. The guide provides information on both brand name and generic name drugs, as well as articles and tips for drug savings and safety. Available for iPhone only.
Mayo Clinic on Pregnancy
Families who are expecting a child usually have a lot of questions. The Mayo Clinic designed this app to answer those questions and provide expecting mothers and their families with clear information on anything and everything relating to birth. Users can put in their estimated due date or last menstrual period into the app to get topics related to how far along they are in their pregnancy, with weekly updates through childbirth and three months into motherhood. It is easy to use, with plain language and crystal-clear images. Available for iPhone and Android.
