E-book Apps – Mobile Resources for Health – Guides @ UF
E-book Apps – Mobile Resources for Health – Guides @ UF
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, mobile apps have emerged as invaluable tools for both medical professionals and the general public. From accessing cutting-edge medical references to managing personal health, these digital resources have revolutionized the way we approach healthcare. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the wealth of e-book apps and mobile health resources available through the University of Florida (UF) library system, empowering you to stay informed, make informed decisions, and optimize your healthcare journey.
Accessing E-books and Medical References on the Go
One of the standout features of the UF library’s mobile offerings is the ability to access a vast array of medical textbooks and reference materials directly from your mobile device. Two such platforms are AccessMedicine and AccessPharmacy, which provide mobile-optimized versions of their respective databases.
AccessMedicine offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including:
- Textbooks such as Harrison’s Online and Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnostic tools
- Drug monographs
- And more
Similarly, AccessPharmacy grants on-the-go access to pharmacy-specific textbooks, diagnostic tests, calculators, and quick reference drug information. To take advantage of these resources, you’ll need to set up a personal account, but the process is straightforward and well worth the effort.
Versatile E-book Reading Apps
In addition to the specialized medical databases, the UF library supports several popular e-book reading apps that allow you to access a wide range of digital publications. These include:
Bluefire Reader: This app enables you to download and read EBSCO e-books, which can be checked out for up to 7 days. To use Bluefire, you’ll need to create both an Adobe ID and an EBSCO account.
Inkling: A platform designed for interactive e-books, Inkling offers a rich, engaging reading experience, particularly well-suited for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices.
Kindle and Nook: The ubiquitous e-reader apps from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, respectively, allow you to purchase and access a vast library of e-books, with features like Whispersync and book lending.
By familiarizing yourself with these versatile e-book apps, you can seamlessly access a wide range of digital resources, from medical textbooks to general-interest publications, right at your fingertips.
Clinical and Diagnostic Mobile Apps
The UF library’s mobile health resources extend beyond e-books, offering a suite of clinical and diagnostic apps that can enhance patient care and support medical decision-making. Some of the standout apps in this category include:
Epocrates: The free basic version of this app provides essential drug, disease, and diagnostic information, while the premium Epocrates Essentials version offers additional features for $159.99 per year.
Medscape: Developed by WebMD, Medscape offers clinical reference materials, medical news, drug information, and a range of medical calculators.
Calculate by QxMD: This app serves as a comprehensive clinical calculator and diagnostic tool, with over 150 medical calculators and a robust search function.
AHRQ ePSS: The Electronic Preventive Services Selector from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) helps primary care clinicians identify appropriate clinical preventive services for their patients.
ACP Immunization Advisor: Provided by the American College of Physicians, this app offers the latest vaccine indications and recommendations for adult patients.
These are just a few examples of the wealth of clinical apps available through the UF library, each designed to streamline workflows, support evidence-based decision-making, and improve patient outcomes.
Oncology-Specific Resources
For healthcare providers specializing in oncology, the UF library offers several targeted mobile resources, including:
NCCN Guidelines for Smartphone: This free app provides registered users of NCCN.org with mobile access to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, the standard of clinical policy in oncology.
UFHealth Cancer Center Clinical Trials NaviGator: This app allows potential study subjects and their referring physicians to search for and access information about clinical trials currently underway at the UF Health Cancer Center.
These specialized apps ensure that oncology professionals have the latest guidelines, research, and clinical trial information at their fingertips, enabling them to provide the most up-to-date and effective care for their patients.
Comprehensive Medical Reference Apps
Beyond the specialized resources, the UF library also provides access to several comprehensive medical reference apps, including:
The Medical Letter: This app offers objective, practical, and timely information on drugs and treatments, helping clinicians make the best decisions for their patients without the influence of the pharmaceutical industry.
Merck Manual Mobile Apps: The Merck Manual suite of free apps covers a wide range of medical and surgical specialties, providing detailed information on etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment options in multiple languages.
UpToDate: A renowned clinical support tool, UpToDate offers an app that provides evidence-based diagnostic and treatment guidance, accessible to UF users with a valid account.
These robust reference apps ensure that healthcare professionals have access to authoritative, up-to-date medical information at their fingertips, empowering them to deliver the best possible care to their patients.
Additional Mobile Resources from the CDC
The UF library’s mobile health offerings also include a selection of apps developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), covering a diverse range of public health and clinical topics. Some of the notable CDC apps include:
- CDC Mobile App: A comprehensive app providing access to the CDC’s latest news, stories, blogs, and public health resources.
- CDC Vaccine Schedules: An app that visually displays the recommended child, adolescent, and adult vaccination schedules.
- CDC Influenza (Flu) Information: An app that offers updates on national flu activity, vaccination recommendations, diagnosis and treatment guidelines, and more.
- CDC Contraception: An app that provides guidance on the safety of contraceptive method use for women with specific characteristics and medical conditions.
These CDC-developed apps serve as valuable tools for both healthcare providers and the general public, ensuring access to authoritative and up-to-date public health information.
Navigating the Mobile Health Landscape
The wealth of mobile health resources available through the UF library can be overwhelming, but by understanding the key features and capabilities of these apps, you can effectively navigate this landscape and leverage these tools to enhance your healthcare journey.
Whether you’re a medical professional seeking the latest clinical guidelines and decision-support tools, or a patient looking to manage your personal health, the UF library’s mobile health resources offer a comprehensive suite of solutions to meet your needs.
To get started, we recommend exploring the library’s mobile health guide, which provides an overview of the available apps, instructions for accessing and setting up the resources, and valuable insights into their functionality and intended use.
By harnessing the power of these mobile health apps, you can stay informed, make better-informed decisions, and ultimately improve the quality of care and the overall well-being of both yourself and your patients.
