MedCalc app offers clinical calculation tools for nurses

May 12, 2010

10:48 AM

App review: MedCalc

MedCalc, a free iPhone application developed by Pascal Pfiffner, MD and Mathias Tschopp, MD is full of useful conversion factors and calculators, and would be a good addition to any nurse's tool box at the point of care.

App review: MedCalc

The app is set up in a logical format with all lists and scroll options set up in alphabetical order. All the calculators are presented in a clearly arranged window with a large number pad, making typing fairly easy and error free. In the upper right hand corner, there is a small magnifying glass that can be used for searching key words.

App review: MedCalc

One specific thing that I really like about this app is that its calculators are grouped under certain areas of practice ("Nurses", "ER-ICU", "Gastrointestinal", etc.). Qx Calculate has a similar set but is missing the "Nurses" option -- an important aspect of quality of care. The options includes calculators for Body Mass Index (BMI) and dose, IV drip rate, and infusion management. If this app was used by nurses at the point of care, it may help to increase efficiency in a nurse's day.

App review: MedCalc

Another cool feature of this app is the user's ability to create customized lists. The "Starred formula" let's the user compile a list of most used or favorite calculators, something that is very useful in a clinical setting. All the user needs to do to add a formula is double tap the title of the calculator they want to add.

App review: MedCalc

This is a highly functional free app with real application to the clinical setting. Nurses with iPhones and iPod Touch devices should consider adding this app.