Purpose of App Review

  • How useful is this app as a resource for medical formulas, scores and classifications and how does it compare to the MedCalc app?

Introduction

In practically every field of medicine, there are many formulas, scores and classifications that are used in the treatment of patients. These can include anything from maintenance fluid calculations to the CHADS2 score. It is impossible to remember them all and often tedious to do with just a calculator. That’s where apps like CliniCalc come in.

Given that the formulas in CliniCalc are based on those in MedCalc and the price of both apps’ full versions are $4.99, we decided to compare CliniCalc to MedCalc and determine which is the better buy.

Ed Note: Keep an eye out for our coming update to the Best Medical Calculator App post

User Interface

The app opens up with a screen with various organ systems. Each of these categories has a list of different formulas, scores and classification systems associated with that specific organ system.

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Once a specific category is selected, a list of formulas, score calculators, and classifications are presented in alphabetical order. This app includes almost every commonly used formula and score classification in medicine. When comparing CliniCalc and MedCalc, each app contains all the most commonly used formulas and scoring systems though there are some differences.

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The app also has an option to search for a formula you are looking for, a favorite section which has any items you have bookmarked, as well as a way to look at the items that have been viewed most recently.

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Above is an example of the APACHE II calculator. The user can input the values needed and a score is generated at the bottom. Unlike MedCalc, this app does not include the normal range of values for each of the input options.

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Each score calculator or formula comes with a page that describes the specific item. The information usually includes what the test or formula is used for and what the results mean. Unlike MedCalc, this app does not allow users to add their own notes to each of the formulas, which is a useful feature that is currently missing. The MedCalc user also has the ability to email the results if needed, another feature that is not found in this app.

Price:

  • Free
  • Full version is $4.99

Likes

  • Has majority of the medically useful formulas and score calculators needed
  • Has descriptions of each formula and how they are used
  • Has the ability to favorite the formulas that are used more often

Dislikes

  • Does not allow the user to add their own notes to formula descriptions
  • Does not show normal range of values for input fields
  • Does not allow the user to add patients or email information

Healthcare workers that would benefit from the app

  • Physicians, nurses and students could benefit from this app.

Conclusion

  • This medical app has great clinical use. The full version only costs $4.99 and can be very convenient when needing to make quick calculations on the wards. It is also more convenient to have all of these formulas all in one place so there is no need to search them in a textbook or online. The app is also extremely user friendly and even allows the user to send feedback and requests for additional formulas.
  • However, compared to MedCalc, this app offers the same formulas with less features for the same price. This app does have a free version that has limited formulas, but overall, MedCalc is a better value for the money. As of publish, there is no Android version available.

Type of Device used to review app—iPhone 5
Version of App–2.1

iTunes Link

Rating: (1 to 5 stars): 3.25/5

  1. User Interface: 2/5 – Easy to use and navigate. Has important functions such as search, favorites, descriptions and recently viewed. However, it is lacking other features such as adding notes, displaying normal ranges, and adding patients to the app.
  2. Multimedia usage: 4/5 – The app does not include much use of multimedia but it does have some items such as the Mallampati score that includes useful images.
  3. Price: 3/5 – The app is free for the limited version. The full version is $4.99 which is the same cost as MedCalc.
  4. Real world applicability: 4/5 – This app can be used daily in the hospital or in an outpatient setting. The app is very easy to use and makes calculations very easy. However, there are other alternative app options already available.

Disclaimer:

This post does not establish, nor is it intended to establish, a patient physician relationship with anyone. It does not substitute for professional advice, and does not substitute for an in-person evaluation with your health care provider. It does not provide the definitive statement on the subject addressed. Before using these apps please consult with your own physician or health care provider as to the apps validity and accuracy as this post is not intended to affirm the validity or accuracy of the apps in question. The app(s) mentioned in this post should not be used without discussing the app first with your health care provider.