There was a lot of buzz in public health circles with the release of the iPad, since it promises a more mobile way of access patient information and of finding answers to common questions. Healthcare professionals make use of information everyday, and it is possible that the iPad can help streamline processes, as well as provide doctors and other healthcare professionals with the tools they need to diagnose and treat disease.

Applications and software like MacPractice can integrate different aspects of a healthcare practice, and add value for patients. Here are 25 iPad apps that can be used everyday by health professionals.

Reference
Whether you are looking for diagrams of the human body, or looking for a handy reference, these apps available for iPad can help you find exactly what you are looking for.

– Human Body 3D Anatomy: This app is available for $2.99 and can be used to refresh yourself on all of the systems in the human body. It includes complete information on different systems, and uses 3D animations to make anatomy come alive.
– iAnatomy: View cross sections of the body with actual CT scans of different areas. Includes cadaveric images, as well as helpful labels. Perfect if you are looking to refer to different scans and images. Cost is $0.99.
– Skyscape’s Medical Bag: Features helpful reference information that you can take with you wherever you go, for $1.99. Includes a number of clinical tools, lab tests and medical calculators that can help you find the information you need.
– Medscape: This remains the essential free reference app for healthcare professionals. Medscape offers clinical relevance, accuracy and more. It is still a trusted name in medical apps, and bringing it on rounds is a great way to have instant access to the information you need, including breaking medical news and the latest procedures.
– Eponyms: If you are looking up different medical terms, this free app is invaluable. While this version is meant for student, veteran healthcare professionals can use it as a refresher.
– Taber’s Medical Dictionary: Take medical reference to the next level with this app. Includes photos, care statements and more than 60,000 terms. You do have to buy a $49.95 subscription, but for those who are looking for a reliable reference to take with them, this is a great choice.
– 3D Teeth: If you are a dentist, or if you are trying to determine whether a patient needs to see a specialist, you can use this app, available for $1.99, to view reference information about the mouth and teeth, see 3D images of teeth, and get information on different diseases.

Drugs
If you are looking for helpful iPad apps for use with drugs and dosing, these can be of great help.

– Epocrates: Find drug references, interactions and more. A helpful drug reference resource from one of the most trusted names in medicine. Cost: Free.
Monthly Prescribing Reference: A free and helpful drug resource for doctors and other healthcare professionals. Includes information on interactions for prescription and over the counter drugs.
– Skyscape RxDrugs Dosing Companion: This free resource can help you figure out dosing for thousands of generic and brand name medications. Carry with you as part of your regular rounds.
– Davis’s Drug Guide: You can get this comprehensive guide for a $49.95 yearly subscription. Regularly updated so that the latest information is at your fingertips.
– iMeds XL: This iPad app costs $3.99, and provides prescribing information. You can search by drug name or drugg class. Helpful information on interactions, side effects and dosing.
– Psych Drugs: This free app focuses on drugs commonly used to treat psychological illnesses. A helpful app that can help you learn about anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and more.
– MedCalc: Use this handy and free iPad app to figure dosing, and get access to a number of formulas. No more looking up formulas and then plugging them in to a calculator. This app will do the work for you – quickly and conveniently.

Diagnosis
Get help diagnosing a condition right on your iPad. No need to leave and look for information; everything you need can be seen right in your hands.

– Diagnosaurus DDx: For $0.99, you can have access to this powerful diagnosis tool. Perform diagnosis at the point of care, using the easy reference system that offers information on a number of diseases and conditions.
– Pedi STAT: Use this app, available for $2.99, to check symptoms, normal growth, and other essential information related to pediatrics and caring for children.
– iRadiology: Review radiology concepts and images with this free app before or during rounds. A great resource for interns and residents – and even as a review for veterans.
– NeuroMind: Look into the mind with this helpful and interesting free app that offers images, information and more that can provide you with insight into the mind.
Medical Lab Tests: Use this iPad app, available for $5.99, to review normal lab values, including more than 100 blood tests. Quick way to evaluate lab results.
– ECG Guide: Use this handy iPad app to look at regular and abnormal ECGs, helping you get a handle on the situation, and diagnose different possibilities. Available for $0.99.
– Mental Illness: Use this app, available for free, to help diagnose mental illness. Get a solid understand of mental illness, and offer better patient care as a result.

Patient Care
Enhance the way you care for patients with the help of these iPad apps. Portable medicine and increased technology mean that you can help patients understand their care better than ever better.

– Blausen Human Atlas: This app, available for $19.99, is meant to help doctors and other healthcare professionals communicate with their patients. The idea is to help them share core concepts and more with patients, enhancing understanding.
– MedSpeak: Communicate with Mandarin or Cantonese speakers with this application. Each version is available for $14.99 apiece. Learn how to properly communicate with patients that don’t speak English.
– Medical Spanish (with audio): You can learn basic Spanish phrases. For $6.99 you can get the phrases you need to better communicate with your patients. Audio helps you work on proper pronunciation.
– AirStrip OB: This free app is meant to help doctors and other healthcare professionals monitor a baby’s symptoms remotely. It is used in tandem with the patient, and can reduce trips to the hospital. AirStrip also has apps for Cardiology, Imaging, Critical Care and more.

Source: Sharp, A., 18/05/2010. The Health Hawk.