June 1, 2013 (Vol. 33, No. 11)
Rating:
Strong Points: An information section with literature citations
Weak Points: Narrow target audience
Platform:
iPad/iPhone
Cost:
Free
Summary:
A number of developers have found ways to create useful apps for medical professionals, and epTools (developed by Busy Being Born Solutions) is no exception. This app has a fairly narrow target demographic—health professionals specializing in heart rhythm disorders—but it seems to succeed in delivering useful information to that group (as assessed by a noncardiologist, that is). The app contains a number of exercises consisting of questions that are intended to guide the app user to a diagnosis based upon data available to him/her, such as ECG traces. These exercises are grounded in a number of published algorithms, the citations for which are included in the information section of the app. In addition to the diagnostic exercises, the app also includes a reference list of drugs that may cause or worsen arrhythmias.