Clinical Pharmacology Mobile – A mobile web app compatible on all smart phones [Review]
Here we review Clinical Pharmacology Mobile (CPM) from Gold Standard/Elsevier, a program that promises to deliver quality drug and interaction information in the palm of your hand. As a web-based program, CPM supports most advanced devices that use standard browsers (iPhone/iPad/iTouch, Blackberry, etc.) and runs on the Safari/Android/ Symbian/ Windows Mobile/RIM operating systems.
Gold Standard/Elsevier represents a trusted name well-versed in the development of “medical management solutions.” Their suite of products also includes: Alchemy, Clinical Measures, Clinical Pharmacology, FormChecker, MedAlternatives, MedChecker, ProspectoRX, and ToxED. However, CPM appears to be their first foray into mobile applications.
The Clinical Pharmacology Mobile Core (the base product) facilitates: searching (by drug name/indication/contraindication/adverse reactions), browsing (by monograph/classification), multi-drug interaction reports, MedCounselor information (consumer medication info, in English or Spanish), and almost 200 clinical calculators.
As for the program, log-in requires navigation to cpmobile.mobi (shown below):
Once logged in, the home screen (shown below) features easy access to the search, drug interaction, drug IDentifier, MedCounselor, clinical calculator, IV compatibility, and OnFormulary functions:
The search function (shown below) allows for the search of any drug by drug name, adverse reaction, contraindication/precautions, indication, or NDC:
Here, we search for the anti-cholesterol statin medication Crestor (rosuvastatin). The drug monograph (shown below) includes comprehensive information on the description/classification, US drug names, indications and dosages, supply, administration, adverse reactions, contraindications/precautions, drug interactions, and more:
Alternatively, a browse function is available from the home screen, as is a directory of medications by classification (shown below):
CPM also offers a Drug Interaction Report function.  This function allows for the choice of “Professional” (more comprehensive and technical) or “Consumer” reports, and sorts the interactions on levels (severe-major-moderate-mild).
Here, we search for the “Professional” report on the interactions between warfarin, phenytoin, and valproic acid, three highly interactive medications:
CPM also features an expansive set of almost 200 clinical calculators (shown below):
Here, we explore the acetaminophen toxicity calculator (shown below):
Moreover, CPM has an interesting “MedCounselor” function to impart drug information to patients (in the form of FAQ’s), in either English or Spanish (shown below):
CPM also features several Add-On Modules (pricing explained below) to “enhance your drug information knowledge”:
1. Drug IDentifier: Allows for identifying tablets and capsules by imprint/marking/color/shape (shown below). Here we input a marking, color, and shape to arrive at our answer (includes images):
2. IV Compatibility (Trissel’s 2 Database): Features the multi-drug IV compatibility report function (shown below). Here we input a set of intravenous antimicrobial agents, and see various incompatibilities:
3. OnFormulary: Facilitates searching of 3rd party prescription plans (including Medicare Part D and State Medicaid plans) to determine drug coverage (shown below). This function can show us what tier a given medication is for a specific prescription plan:
4. Global Drug Name Database (GDND): Allows searching for international brand names and links user to US drug monograph information.
Summary:
Clinical Pharmacology Mobile offers a comprehensive drug and interaction information program for mobile devices via a smooth user interface that is easily navigated. Its drug monographs are complete and thorough, its drug interaction reports are well-organized, and it features several interesting functions, including the MedCounselor (great way to give patients information on their medications), the OnFormulary (a useful tool to ascertain medication tiers on specific prescription plans), and the Drug IDentifier (with the potential to find out which medications a patient might be taking). However, CPM’s large price tag gives us pause, especially in light of multiple apps (such as the recently reviewed and free MedScape app) that offer similar functionality at a cheaper price.
Pricing: For a yearly subscription for individuals, the CPM core (explained above) costs $199. For the Add-On Modules (also explained above), the Drug IDentifier/NDC search costs $99, the IV Compatibility $99, the OnFormulary $119, and the Global Drug Name Database (GDND) $39.
Likes:
-Slick and intuitive user interface
-Comprehensive drug monographs and interaction reports
-A bevy of interesting functions, including the OnFormulary, MedCounselor, Clinical Calculators, and Drug IDentifier
Dislikes/Future Updates I’d Love to See:
-The pricing (especially with the Add-On Modules) can be prohibitive for many users
-Because CPM is web browser-based, it is not always as fast to access and use as other apps
Conclusion:
Although Clinical Pharmacology Mobile represents a well-constructed and potentially useful tool for drug and interaction information, it does not offer a significant advantage over other drug information products, such as the MedScape app. Moreover, given its hefty price tag, we find it hard to justify shelling out the cash for CPM when other similarly serviceable and cheaper alternatives exist.
Comments:
- Medicaid Doctors
