May 16, 2004 11:25 AM
Review: HandyRef for Pocket PC

I just came across Handryref, this small application for the Pocket PC. It is a small reference for medical students and medical residents. Below is my short review.

Installation

Installation was really easy. The download file was only 56 kb, and all you have to do is place it anywhere in your Pocket PC. There is also a version with an installer, but it is 1.1 Mb in size. It is also nice that HandyRef is a single file, and you can beam it to your colleagues.

Interface and Usability

The interface is slick and clean. The initial screen has big buttons with the topics that are covered. It is very easy to navigate, and there are no menus, everything is displayed at all times without crowding the screen.

Contents

The data that is available is really good. Lots of practical things, such as the opioid converter, insulin sliding scales, MMSE etc. It seems, however, that the antibiotics section is obviously not comprehensive enough, so I would advise to use another reference for this if possible.

Included categories:

DKA Management
Narcotic Dose Equivalencies
Big Needles (Thoracentesis, Paracentesis, Lumbar Puncture, and Arthrocentesis)
Insulin Sliding Scales
Topical Steroid Scale
Mini-Mental Status Exam
Lab Skeletons
Diabetes Oral Medications
Intravenous Fluids
Glasgow Coma Scale
CIWA-Ar Alcohol Withdrawal
Antibiotics Selection
ACE inhibitor dosing conversions
Patient charting documents

Conclusion

I really like to have this little application installed. It is not only small and has great practical information, but it is also freeware. The author has other applications as well for specific fields, such as Cardiology (also free).

Where and how

Developer: HandyMed
Download: Handyref
License: freeware

Posted by leo at May 16, 2004 11:25 AM

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