10% Of US Doctors Using Epocrates For iphone/touch.

[Cuthbert]

Oooppps, I guess I've been writing the wrong doses for the last 6 years.

You must be a pharmacist (not an insult), because I have never met a pediatric colleague who has ever used Lexi-comp. It's more of a reference guide, rather than a practical tool one would use while seeing patients.

Nope, not a pharmacist. 2nd year peds resident. I'm not saying that I carry it around in my pocket, but I also don't carry Harriet. I can tell you that at least myself and all of our other residents use Lexi-comp. There is one at every computer on the ward.

Harriet is ok for basic drug stuff, but Lexi is just more complete in my opinion. It's great for learners, like myself who are getting to know generic vs. brand name drugs since Lexi includes both names and redirects you; while with Harriet, you're out of luck if you only know the brand name.

 

[RiceRacerDX]

I am a nursing student and find that Epocrates is lacking compared to my Mosby's Nursing Drug Reference book. For instance, classifications at times are too vague. Safety/Monitoring section is incomplete. But as a quick reference, it helps at times. I still refuse to give up my drug book. I have to write up between 5-30 medication reports every week (depending on the patient's meds) and need all the extra information I can get especially as a student.

 

[southerndoc]

I am a nursing student and find that Epocrates is lacking compared to my Mosby's Nursing Drug Reference book. For instance, classifications at times are too vague. Safety/Monitoring section is incomplete. But as a quick reference, it helps at times. I still refuse to give up my drug book. I have to write up between 5-30 medication reports every week (depending on the patient's meds) and need all the extra information I can get especially as a student.

ePocrates isn't the best resource for nurses. Nurses need to know more than just dosing, interactions, etc. They must also know infusion rates, compatibilities, etc. I've found very little information in ePocrates regarding infusion rates, what you can infuse it with, etc.

 

[weeman]

ePocrates isn't the best resource.

Yeah, there are an insane amount of errors in epocrates...IMO nothing can beat the lexi-complete + iPhone combo...its basically the guidebook on your phone with an easy search function! I use it on a daily basis so it is well worth the investment.

 

[Lara F]

Nope, not a pharmacist. 2nd year peds resident. I'm not saying that I carry it around in my pocket, but I also don't carry Harriet. I can tell you that at least myself and all of our other residents use Lexi-comp. There is one at every computer on the ward.

Harriet is ok for basic drug stuff, but Lexi is just more complete in my opinion. It's great for learners, like myself who are getting to know generic vs. brand name drugs since Lexi includes both names and redirects you; while with Harriet, you're out of luck if you only know the brand name.

Yet another peds doc here (first year resident).

Harriet does have an index where you can look up the trade name. Can be annoying to need to do, but you're not completely out of luck.

I'd say at least 2/3 of my residency class has an iPhone now (a ratio that's steadily increased since July), the rest mostly have BlackBerries. I do have Epocrates on mine but wouldn't rely on it either for peds dosing. It'd probably be adequate for adult medicine though.

Lexi Peds on the iPhone is great but so is Harriet Lane from Skyscape - not sure which I prefer at this point. Would love to see Up To Date and the Zitelli atlas available someday! Of course one of the most essential apps, at least for peds is Calculator. It's great to have everything needed in just one device.