Clinical Tools and Calculators: A Medical Student's Best Friend on the Ward
April 13th, 2023
Overview
Navigating the medical world requires not just knowledge, but also the ability to make informed decisions based on complex medical data. There is a vast array of evidence-based formulae, clinical checklists and tools that have been developed and validated to assist us in medical decision-making, to facilitate the best possibleoutcomes for our patients.
Examples of such clinical tools include the body mass index (BMI) for body habitus; the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for renal function; the CHA2DS2VASC score for atrial fibrillation; and the Wells criteria for DVT.
In this article, we will explore five top apps that provide clinical tools and calculators, for you to consider incorporating into your arsenal.
Key Features
To provide you with this list of the most effective clinical tools apps for medical students, we have carefully evaluated various resources based on several key features:
Range of Calculators and Tools
- We prioritized resources that offer a wide range of formulae, clinical calculators, decision-making tools, and medical scoring systems across multiple specialties. This ensures that you have access to the most relevant and comprehensive information.
Ease of Use
- Resources with intuitive and user-friendly interfaces were prioritise to allow for quick access to the tools you need in fast-paced environments, such as on clinical rotations.
Evidence-Based Information
- We chose resources that provide evidence-based information and are regularly updated.
Mobile App Availability
- We favoured clinical tools and calculators available as mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to access them anytime, anywhere.
Free or Affordable Access
- Medical students often have tight budgets, and as such we prioritised resources that are either free or offer affordable subscription models.
Additional Features
- We also took into account resources that offer additional features, such as personalized notes, sharing capabilities, and favorites lists.
MDCalc
Platforms
- Web, iOS, Android
Cost
- Free
MDCalc is a valuable resource for medical students and doctors, offering hundreds of clinical calculators and tools in one easy-to-use platform. Each calculator is accompanied by detailed information about the interpretation and creator of the tool.
MDCalc is completely free, making it an accessible and indispensable tool for enhancing learning and decision-making in clinical scenarios.
Pros
- Extensive collection of hundreds of calculators.
- Interpretation and creator information for each tool.
- Free.
Cons
- Potential information overload - the large number of tools may be overwhelming.
MedCalX
Platforms
- iOS
Cost
- Free for basic tools, subscription to unlock everything.
MedCalX is a comprehensive medical calculator app designed for medical students and healthcare professionals. It features over 300 medical scoring systems, formulae, and classifications across multiple specialties.
With support for both US and SI units, a search function, and the ability to add personalized notes, share results, and save favorites, MedCalX is a versatile resource.
The app is free to download with a limited number of tools, and an in-app purchase unlocks everything, making it a valuable addition to any medical student's toolkit.
Pros
- Wide range of tools.
- Customization options - add personalized notes and save favorites.
- Supports US and SI units
Cons
- In-app purchase required to unlock all tools.
- iOS app only - no Android app or web-based platform.
- Some specialties might have fewer tools available.
MedSchool
Platforms
- Web, iOS, Android
Cost
- Clinical tools are free; the rest of the app requires a subscription.
MedSchool is an online platform and app providing medical students with a curated list of the most useful clinical calculators. The easy-to-use interface allows for easy navigation and use. The Tools section is a subset of the entire platform, which is a clinical reference for medical students including guides to history, examination, tests and drugs.
The Tools section in MedSchool is free, though a subscription is required to unlock the rest of the app (there is a free trial).
Pros
- Curated list of the most clinically relevant calculators.
- User-friendly interface access.
- The Tools section is free.
Cons
- Fewer calculators compared to other resources.
Calculate by QxMD
Platforms
- Web, iOS, Android
Cost
- Free with ads
Calculate by QxMD is a free medical calculator app designed to assist healthcare professionals. With hundreds of clinical tools including risk scores, dosing calculators, and diagnostic criteria, Calculate by QxMD helps users enhance their decision-making abilities and improve overall clinical proficiency. Its user-friendly interface and broad range of tools make it an excellent resource for when you’re on the wards. The app is made by MedScape, and so the interface is the same as MedScape.
Calculate by QxMD is free to use but requires you to register.
Pros
- Hundreds of clinical tools.
- User-friendly interface.
- Free with ads.
Cons
- Limited customization: No personalized notes feature.
MedScape
Platforms
- iOS, Android (no tools on the website)
Cost
- Free with ads
MedScape is a popular medical platform by WebMD, providing medical students and healthcare professionals with a wealth of information and resources. Among its many features, MedScape offers hundreds of clinical calculators to support evidence-based decision-making.
In addition to clinical tools, MedScape provides news, articles, and continuing medical education (CME) opportunities, making it a comprehensive resource for medical students.
With a user-friendly interface and dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android, MedScape ensures easy access to vital medical tools and information anytime, anywhere. MedScape also make the Calculate by QxMD app, and so the interface is the same as this app.
The app is free to use, though requires you to register.
Pros
- Comprehensive platform: clinical calculators, news, articles, and CME opportunities.
- User-friendly interface.
- Free with ads.
Cons
- Overwhelming content: may be difficult to navigate.
Final Thoughts
Evidence-based clinical tools and calculators play an important role in medical assessment and decision-making, and it is important to familiarise yourself with the most commonly used tools during your time in medical school.
The resources mentioned in this article—MDCalc, MedCalX, MedSchool, Calculate by QxMD and MedScape —each offer unique features, catering to different preferences and needs. Try them out and find what works for you!
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