May 20, 2004 12:31 PM
Review: Mobile Merck Medicus

Mobile Merck Medicus is a medical reference suite developed by Merck. At the center of its product is obviously the classic Merck Manual, 17th edition, with full text. This application also has 3 other components:
Pocket Guide to Diagnostic Tests
Reuters Medical News
Medline Journals

Installation

I installed the full installation for the Pocket PC. It requires 8.7 MB of memory space, but there is also a Lite version that uses only 1.2 Mb. The difference is that the Lite version does not have the Merck Manual. There are also both versions for Palm OS as well. It installs a client on the PC that updates its content with each synchronization. Overall, the installation was easy, and I was able to install to a SD card without any problems.

Usage

Loading this rather large application from a memory card takes a few seconds, but it is understandable. I have not had any problems or system crashes or lock-ups during regular use.

Merck Manual

This is the very well-known medical manual that Merck has been publishing for several years. They did a very good job at putting the text together with sections, so it is very easy to find what you want. Initially you are taken to an alphabetical index of subjects, but you may choose to browse the book by subject. Both methods worked equally well for me. I also liked the ability to increase/decrease the font size as needed. On the top of the screen, there is a pull-down menu with the sections contained in the subject. Navigation is also easy, and the navigation "pad" can be used as well, so you don't have to use the stylus all the time.

Pocket Guide to Diagnostic Tests

This part of the package is a database of medical tests. It has the following information for each test: Test / Range / Collection, Physiologic Basis, Interpretation and Comments.

It has not only laboratory tests, but also imaging tests as well. The information is nicely organized, searchable by category (imaging, laboratory, microbiology) and a general index is provided. I really liked to have the cost information available, and it is given as a range. For those who need to collect those tests, the database also contains which tubes to use, and sometimes comments such as how fast the test needs to be run or specific storage instructions. The comments are also useful. It provides evidence-based data with references on the most important aspects of the test.

Reuters Medical News

This section will display the latest news on the specialty you chose when you registered on the website. You can change your settings, and even select multiple specialties.

Medline Journals

This are will show the latest table of contents with abstracts of the most relevant journals in your specialty. This can be fully customized on the website, and there are many journals to choose from.

Pros:
- Concise, full text of Merck Manual
- Organized and relevant information on multiple diagnostic tests
- Freeware

Cons:
- Most users will need a memory card
- Synchronizing with the desktop may take a while.
- Absolutely no options to customize the interface other than font size

Summary: If you have enough space in your PDA, Merck Medicus is an excellent resource to have. It is well organized, intuitive and contains very useful information.

Rating:

Product Category: Software
Manufacturer: Merck & Co. Download link
Price: freeware
System Requirements:
Pocket PC: Pocket PC 2000, 2002 or 2003; ActiveSync 3.1 or later; Windows PC. 1.2 Mb for lite version, 8.7 Mb for full version
Palm OS: Palm OS version 3.x or later, or Palm OS 5; HotSync 3.01 or later; Windows PC. 0.8 Mb for lite version, 7.6 Mb for full version.

Posted by leo at May 20, 2004 12:31 PM

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