Product Review

What is it?

Using VisualDx, large image libraries for each disease can be searched by name, or a differential diagnosis can be built based on appearance, signs, and symptoms. A huge library of images is accessible in every feature of this application.

How does it work?

The home screen of VisualDx has one button to search for diseases by name, labeled “Diagnosis Lookup,” and one button to create a differential diagnosis labeled “Differential Builder.” The Diagnosis Lookup button leads to a search screen that takes you directly to individual diagnoses. General clinical information is provided alongside multiple images for each disease.

The Differential Builder button takes you to a series of screens where you create a clinical scenario based on the age of the patient; the type of skin problem (ie, rash or growth); and other more specific contexts such as medications, immunocompromise, fever, and travel. After the scenario is created, a differential is built by entering visible patient findings. A collage of disease images is created as each finding is added, with the most likely diagnoses at the top and less perfect matches at the bottom of the page. Selecting an image leads to a page with basic clinical information and many more clinical photographs of the diagnosis.

How can it help me?

I use VisualDx to improve communication with patients, expand my differential diagnosis, and evaluate drug eruptions. Because there are so many high-quality images in this application, you can always find an image similar to your patient’s presentation, which is incredibly useful for communicating with patients who question your diagnosis or need visual confirmation. The differential diagnosis builder is my go-to tool for those moments when I hit a mental roadblock in evaluating a patient. Going through the process of building a differential and scrolling through the suggested diagnoses often is exactly what I need to complete my differential diagnosis and begin working up the patient. Finally, I use the drug eruptions scenario feature whenever I evaluate oncology patients or other medically complex patients who have rashes that might be caused by medications. Excellent differential diagnoses paired with images are created for each submitted medication.

How can I get it?

Although the VisualDx license is expensive compared to other mobile applications, it is useful in so many situations that you should highly consider purchasing a subscription. VisualDx can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and/or iPad, or the Google Play Store. Annual licenses for individual use range from $99.99 to $299.99 per year depending on the package purchased.

For more information, got to the VisualDx Web site.

What is it?

Using VisualDx, large image libraries for each disease can be searched by name, or a differential diagnosis can be built based on appearance, signs, and symptoms. A huge library of images is accessible in every feature of this application.

How does it work?

The home screen of VisualDx has one button to search for diseases by name, labeled “Diagnosis Lookup,” and one button to create a differential diagnosis labeled “Differential Builder.” The Diagnosis Lookup button leads to a search screen that takes you directly to individual diagnoses. General clinical information is provided alongside multiple images for each disease.

The Differential Builder button takes you to a series of screens where you create a clinical scenario based on the age of the patient; the type of skin problem (ie, rash or growth); and other more specific contexts such as medications, immunocompromise, fever, and travel. After the scenario is created, a differential is built by entering visible patient findings. A collage of disease images is created as each finding is added, with the most likely diagnoses at the top and less perfect matches at the bottom of the page. Selecting an image leads to a page with basic clinical information and many more clinical photographs of the diagnosis.

How can it help me?

I use VisualDx to improve communication with patients, expand my differential diagnosis, and evaluate drug eruptions. Because there are so many high-quality images in this application, you can always find an image similar to your patient’s presentation, which is incredibly useful for communicating with patients who question your diagnosis or need visual confirmation. The differential diagnosis builder is my go-to tool for those moments when I hit a mental roadblock in evaluating a patient. Going through the process of building a differential and scrolling through the suggested diagnoses often is exactly what I need to complete my differential diagnosis and begin working up the patient. Finally, I use the drug eruptions scenario feature whenever I evaluate oncology patients or other medically complex patients who have rashes that might be caused by medications. Excellent differential diagnoses paired with images are created for each submitted medication.

How can I get it?

Although the VisualDx license is expensive compared to other mobile applications, it is useful in so many situations that you should highly consider purchasing a subscription. VisualDx can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and/or iPad, or the Google Play Store. Annual licenses for individual use range from $99.99 to $299.99 per year depending on the package purchased.

For more information, got to the VisualDx Web site.

What is it?

Using VisualDx, large image libraries for each disease can be searched by name, or a differential diagnosis can be built based on appearance, signs, and symptoms. A huge library of images is accessible in every feature of this application.

How does it work?

The home screen of VisualDx has one button to search for diseases by name, labeled “Diagnosis Lookup,” and one button to create a differential diagnosis labeled “Differential Builder.” The Diagnosis Lookup button leads to a search screen that takes you directly to individual diagnoses. General clinical information is provided alongside multiple images for each disease.

The Differential Builder button takes you to a series of screens where you create a clinical scenario based on the age of the patient; the type of skin problem (ie, rash or growth); and other more specific contexts such as medications, immunocompromise, fever, and travel. After the scenario is created, a differential is built by entering visible patient findings. A collage of disease images is created as each finding is added, with the most likely diagnoses at the top and less perfect matches at the bottom of the page. Selecting an image leads to a page with basic clinical information and many more clinical photographs of the diagnosis.

How can it help me?

I use VisualDx to improve communication with patients, expand my differential diagnosis, and evaluate drug eruptions. Because there are so many high-quality images in this application, you can always find an image similar to your patient’s presentation, which is incredibly useful for communicating with patients who question your diagnosis or need visual confirmation. The differential diagnosis builder is my go-to tool for those moments when I hit a mental roadblock in evaluating a patient. Going through the process of building a differential and scrolling through the suggested diagnoses often is exactly what I need to complete my differential diagnosis and begin working up the patient. Finally, I use the drug eruptions scenario feature whenever I evaluate oncology patients or other medically complex patients who have rashes that might be caused by medications. Excellent differential diagnoses paired with images are created for each submitted medication.

How can I get it?

Although the VisualDx license is expensive compared to other mobile applications, it is useful in so many situations that you should highly consider purchasing a subscription. VisualDx can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and/or iPad, or the Google Play Store. Annual licenses for individual use range from $99.99 to $299.99 per year depending on the package purchased.

For more information, got to the VisualDx Web site.

What is it?
Within this app is a collection of drug and clinical reference materials. The drug information features are especially useful, allowing you to quickly find drug reference information, interaction checking, pill (and cream) identification, and calculators useful in drug dosing.

How does it work?
The free version of Epocrates opens with 11 reference options displayed as icons on the home screen. The most useful icons are Drugs, InteractionCheck, Pill ID, and Calculators. At the top of the home screen is a search bar.

Drugs are organized as specialty classes. Within each specialty class, drugs are subdivided into disease-specific classes, allowing you to view multiple treatment options for each disease. Individual drug monographs contain all the information typically found in package inserts, including adult and pediatric dosing, warnings and contraindications, safety and monitoring, interactions, and pill pictures. Drug monographs also include information on pricing and insurance formularies.

The InteractionCheck function allows you to enter a large number of medications to a list for the app to check for interactions. A reason for caution (eg, increased liver toxicity) is provided for each drug-drug interaction.

The Pill ID function searches for a patient’s medication based on a description of the imprint, shape, color, and score of the pill.

The Calculators feature contains a limited amount of medical calculators, some that may be useful to dermatologists, including body surface area, creatinine clearance, a drug dosing calculator, and a unit converter.

The other icons include Notifications, Directory of apps, Resource Centers, Essential Points, Contact Manufacturer, and Tables. However, these features are less useful to dermatologists.


How can it help me?
I use Epocrates to quickly find basic drug information such as pediatric dosing, pricing, and basic information on safety and monitoring. The drug alternative function is too basic for a practicing dermatologist. For example, alternatives for Clobex Shampoo (clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05%) include Cordran Tape (flurandrenolide), which may be of similar strength, but tape rarely is a substitute for shampoo. I use the InteractionCheck whenever I prescribe multiple medications to a patient. I feel more secure knowing that a second resource, in addition to my brain, confirms a lack of important drug-drug interactions.

Epocrates is one of several free drug reference apps that fits my point of care workflow well. Other options exist for physicians who desire a more simple user interface.

How can I get it?
Epocrates can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and/or iPad; the Google Play Store; or the product Web site.

What is it?
Within this app is a collection of drug and clinical reference materials. The drug information features are especially useful, allowing you to quickly find drug reference information, interaction checking, pill (and cream) identification, and calculators useful in drug dosing.

How does it work?
The free version of Epocrates opens with 11 reference options displayed as icons on the home screen. The most useful icons are Drugs, InteractionCheck, Pill ID, and Calculators. At the top of the home screen is a search bar.

Drugs are organized as specialty classes. Within each specialty class, drugs are subdivided into disease-specific classes, allowing you to view multiple treatment options for each disease. Individual drug monographs contain all the information typically found in package inserts, including adult and pediatric dosing, warnings and contraindications, safety and monitoring, interactions, and pill pictures. Drug monographs also include information on pricing and insurance formularies.

The InteractionCheck function allows you to enter a large number of medications to a list for the app to check for interactions. A reason for caution (eg, increased liver toxicity) is provided for each drug-drug interaction.

The Pill ID function searches for a patient’s medication based on a description of the imprint, shape, color, and score of the pill.

The Calculators feature contains a limited amount of medical calculators, some that may be useful to dermatologists, including body surface area, creatinine clearance, a drug dosing calculator, and a unit converter.

The other icons include Notifications, Directory of apps, Resource Centers, Essential Points, Contact Manufacturer, and Tables. However, these features are less useful to dermatologists.


How can it help me?
I use Epocrates to quickly find basic drug information such as pediatric dosing, pricing, and basic information on safety and monitoring. The drug alternative function is too basic for a practicing dermatologist. For example, alternatives for Clobex Shampoo (clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05%) include Cordran Tape (flurandrenolide), which may be of similar strength, but tape rarely is a substitute for shampoo. I use the InteractionCheck whenever I prescribe multiple medications to a patient. I feel more secure knowing that a second resource, in addition to my brain, confirms a lack of important drug-drug interactions.

Epocrates is one of several free drug reference apps that fits my point of care workflow well. Other options exist for physicians who desire a more simple user interface.

How can I get it?
Epocrates can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and/or iPad; the Google Play Store; or the product Web site.

What is it?
Within this app is a collection of drug and clinical reference materials. The drug information features are especially useful, allowing you to quickly find drug reference information, interaction checking, pill (and cream) identification, and calculators useful in drug dosing.

How does it work?
The free version of Epocrates opens with 11 reference options displayed as icons on the home screen. The most useful icons are Drugs, InteractionCheck, Pill ID, and Calculators. At the top of the home screen is a search bar.

Drugs are organized as specialty classes. Within each specialty class, drugs are subdivided into disease-specific classes, allowing you to view multiple treatment options for each disease. Individual drug monographs contain all the information typically found in package inserts, including adult and pediatric dosing, warnings and contraindications, safety and monitoring, interactions, and pill pictures. Drug monographs also include information on pricing and insurance formularies.

The InteractionCheck function allows you to enter a large number of medications to a list for the app to check for interactions. A reason for caution (eg, increased liver toxicity) is provided for each drug-drug interaction.

The Pill ID function searches for a patient’s medication based on a description of the imprint, shape, color, and score of the pill.

The Calculators feature contains a limited amount of medical calculators, some that may be useful to dermatologists, including body surface area, creatinine clearance, a drug dosing calculator, and a unit converter.

The other icons include Notifications, Directory of apps, Resource Centers, Essential Points, Contact Manufacturer, and Tables. However, these features are less useful to dermatologists.


How can it help me?
I use Epocrates to quickly find basic drug information such as pediatric dosing, pricing, and basic information on safety and monitoring. The drug alternative function is too basic for a practicing dermatologist. For example, alternatives for Clobex Shampoo (clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05%) include Cordran Tape (flurandrenolide), which may be of similar strength, but tape rarely is a substitute for shampoo. I use the InteractionCheck whenever I prescribe multiple medications to a patient. I feel more secure knowing that a second resource, in addition to my brain, confirms a lack of important drug-drug interactions.

Epocrates is one of several free drug reference apps that fits my point of care workflow well. Other options exist for physicians who desire a more simple user interface.

How can I get it?
Epocrates can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and/or iPad; the Google Play Store; or the product Web site.

What is it?
Dropbox is a replacement for the USB flash drive. Files placed in a Dropbox folder are stored on a server, which allows files on one device to be instantaneously accessible to all your devices that have the Dropbox application installed. Dropbox automatically backs up and synchronizes any changes you make to your files, giving you access to your most up-to-date revisions. Many other mobile applications synchronize data through Dropbox making it a must-have app for any mobile device user.

How does it work?
After creating an account and downloading the application on your computer and mobile devices, a folder will be created on your hard drive called “Dropbox.” Any files you place in the Dropbox folder are automatically synchronized across all your computers and mobile devices. Any changes you make to a file in the Dropbox folder also are automatically synchronized across all your devices. Any mistakes you make can be corrected because Dropbox saves a file revision history, allowing you to recover any prior version of all your files. Folders within Dropbox also can be shared with colleagues.

All files are encrypted on Dropbox using the 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard and sent over the Internet between your devices using a secure channel that uses Secure Sockets Layer encryption. This level of security is the same encryption standard used by banks to secure customer data. Data is stored using Amazon’s Simple Storage Service (S3), which uses military-grade perimeter control beams, video surveillance, and professional security staff, according to Amazon, to maintain physical security of your data.

The user interface in the mobile Dropbox application is simple. There is a left pane showing stored files and a right pane showing individual file contents (ie, text, images, slideshows, music, movies). The left pane has 6 buttons, allowing you to upload files, delete files, view files, view photographs, mark files as favorites, and enter the settings pane. The right pane has 3 buttons, allowing you to share the viewed file, mark the viewed file as a favorite, and open the file in an alternate program (eg, another text-editing app, presentation app, music app).

How can it help me?
I use Dropbox to keep my important files with me at all times. A particularly useful feature is the star-shaped Favorites button, which allows me to temporarily download files to my mobile device’s RAM before going on plane trips or being in other areas that may not provide Internet access, that way I can work on a paper or presentation during my flight and be assured that all my work will be stored online and synchronized as soon as my device regains Internet access.

I also use Dropbox to share large files, such as presentations, movies, and photograph albums. The Share button can be used to e-mail friends and colleagues a link to files that are too large to send by e-mail. Because promiscuous USB drives are a source of malware, I also use Dropbox to share small and large files with computers of unknown security; if I do not know that a computer is free of spyware and viruses, I assume it is infected.

How can I get it?
Dropbox can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and/or iPad; the Google Play Store; or the product Web site. A free account provides 2 to 18 GB, but if you need more storage, there are Pro and Business accounts that offer more than 100 GB starting at $9.99/month.

For more information, go to www.dropbox.com.

What is it?
Dropbox is a replacement for the USB flash drive. Files placed in a Dropbox folder are stored on a server, which allows files on one device to be instantaneously accessible to all your devices that have the Dropbox application installed. Dropbox automatically backs up and synchronizes any changes you make to your files, giving you access to your most up-to-date revisions. Many other mobile applications synchronize data through Dropbox making it a must-have app for any mobile device user.

How does it work?
After creating an account and downloading the application on your computer and mobile devices, a folder will be created on your hard drive called “Dropbox.” Any files you place in the Dropbox folder are automatically synchronized across all your computers and mobile devices. Any changes you make to a file in the Dropbox folder also are automatically synchronized across all your devices. Any mistakes you make can be corrected because Dropbox saves a file revision history, allowing you to recover any prior version of all your files. Folders within Dropbox also can be shared with colleagues.

All files are encrypted on Dropbox using the 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard and sent over the Internet between your devices using a secure channel that uses Secure Sockets Layer encryption. This level of security is the same encryption standard used by banks to secure customer data. Data is stored using Amazon’s Simple Storage Service (S3), which uses military-grade perimeter control beams, video surveillance, and professional security staff, according to Amazon, to maintain physical security of your data.

The user interface in the mobile Dropbox application is simple. There is a left pane showing stored files and a right pane showing individual file contents (ie, text, images, slideshows, music, movies). The left pane has 6 buttons, allowing you to upload files, delete files, view files, view photographs, mark files as favorites, and enter the settings pane. The right pane has 3 buttons, allowing you to share the viewed file, mark the viewed file as a favorite, and open the file in an alternate program (eg, another text-editing app, presentation app, music app).

How can it help me?
I use Dropbox to keep my important files with me at all times. A particularly useful feature is the star-shaped Favorites button, which allows me to temporarily download files to my mobile device’s RAM before going on plane trips or being in other areas that may not provide Internet access, that way I can work on a paper or presentation during my flight and be assured that all my work will be stored online and synchronized as soon as my device regains Internet access.

I also use Dropbox to share large files, such as presentations, movies, and photograph albums. The Share button can be used to e-mail friends and colleagues a link to files that are too large to send by e-mail. Because promiscuous USB drives are a source of malware, I also use Dropbox to share small and large files with computers of unknown security; if I do not know that a computer is free of spyware and viruses, I assume it is infected.

How can I get it?
Dropbox can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and/or iPad; the Google Play Store; or the product Web site. A free account provides 2 to 18 GB, but if you need more storage, there are Pro and Business accounts that offer more than 100 GB starting at $9.99/month.

For more information, go to www.dropbox.com.

What is it?
Dropbox is a replacement for the USB flash drive. Files placed in a Dropbox folder are stored on a server, which allows files on one device to be instantaneously accessible to all your devices that have the Dropbox application installed. Dropbox automatically backs up and synchronizes any changes you make to your files, giving you access to your most up-to-date revisions. Many other mobile applications synchronize data through Dropbox making it a must-have app for any mobile device user.

How does it work?
After creating an account and downloading the application on your computer and mobile devices, a folder will be created on your hard drive called “Dropbox.” Any files you place in the Dropbox folder are automatically synchronized across all your computers and mobile devices. Any changes you make to a file in the Dropbox folder also are automatically synchronized across all your devices. Any mistakes you make can be corrected because Dropbox saves a file revision history, allowing you to recover any prior version of all your files. Folders within Dropbox also can be shared with colleagues.

All files are encrypted on Dropbox using the 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard and sent over the Internet between your devices using a secure channel that uses Secure Sockets Layer encryption. This level of security is the same encryption standard used by banks to secure customer data. Data is stored using Amazon’s Simple Storage Service (S3), which uses military-grade perimeter control beams, video surveillance, and professional security staff, according to Amazon, to maintain physical security of your data.

The user interface in the mobile Dropbox application is simple. There is a left pane showing stored files and a right pane showing individual file contents (ie, text, images, slideshows, music, movies). The left pane has 6 buttons, allowing you to upload files, delete files, view files, view photographs, mark files as favorites, and enter the settings pane. The right pane has 3 buttons, allowing you to share the viewed file, mark the viewed file as a favorite, and open the file in an alternate program (eg, another text-editing app, presentation app, music app).

How can it help me?
I use Dropbox to keep my important files with me at all times. A particularly useful feature is the star-shaped Favorites button, which allows me to temporarily download files to my mobile device’s RAM before going on plane trips or being in other areas that may not provide Internet access, that way I can work on a paper or presentation during my flight and be assured that all my work will be stored online and synchronized as soon as my device regains Internet access.

I also use Dropbox to share large files, such as presentations, movies, and photograph albums. The Share button can be used to e-mail friends and colleagues a link to files that are too large to send by e-mail. Because promiscuous USB drives are a source of malware, I also use Dropbox to share small and large files with computers of unknown security; if I do not know that a computer is free of spyware and viruses, I assume it is infected.

How can I get it?
Dropbox can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and/or iPad; the Google Play Store; or the product Web site. A free account provides 2 to 18 GB, but if you need more storage, there are Pro and Business accounts that offer more than 100 GB starting at $9.99/month.

For more information, go to www.dropbox.com.

What is it?
Rather than opening up a different journal app for each individual subscription or searching through multiple journals online, Read by QxMD collects articles related to your interests from all your favorite journals and creates a virtual personalized journal. It is my favorite app for staying current with dermatology literature.


How does it work?
When you enter this app for the first time, it asks for a username and password to obtain proxy access to your institutional library. (For security, the username and password are encrypted on the mobile device before authenticating the user. This information is not shared with QxMD staff.) The app then asks you to select journals and specialties to follow. That is it; you are ready to use the app.

The user interface is very easy to understand. There is an upper toolbar with 6 buttons that allows you to browse articles by (1) articles featured for you based on your initial setup, (2) journals preselected by you, (3) collections selected by the app, (4) new topics you wish to explore, (5) stored favorite articles selected by you, and (6) a basic search engine. A seventh button allows you to change your settings. Below the toolbar are articles.

Browsing articles also is very easy, as individual papers are arranged as a mosaic created to resemble browsing through a magazine. The title of each article followed by a summary (usually an abstract) is displayed. To see more articles, you “flip” the page with your finger. Clicking on an article brings up the entire abstract and options to download the PDF, store it as a favorite, or share the article with a friend. Downloaded PDFs are presented in a PDF editor with basic highlighting and annotating functions. If you need additional capabilities, there is a button for exporting articles to other PDF readers.


How can it help me?
I use Read by QxMD to stay up-to-date with dermatologic literature when I have limited windows of downtime, such as drinking my morning cup of coffee or waiting in lines; while other people are playing Angry Birds, this app allows me to get work done! The personalization and magazine-style presentation are enjoyable as I’m keeping up with dermatologic literature. I would not use this app as a point-of-care decision support tool, a journal article storage tool, or PDF editor, as there are better apps designed for those processes. I also suggest limiting the journals and specialties you follow to those you are highly interested in or you will become overwhelmed scanning through articles that are only somewhat interesting to you.

How can I get it?
Because Read by QxMD is free, every dermatologist should try this mobile app.

It is available in the Apple App Store for your iPod Touch, iPad, and/or iPhone.

For a list of participating institutions, go to www.qxmd.com.

What is it?
Rather than opening up a different journal app for each individual subscription or searching through multiple journals online, Read by QxMD collects articles related to your interests from all your favorite journals and creates a virtual personalized journal. It is my favorite app for staying current with dermatology literature.


How does it work?
When you enter this app for the first time, it asks for a username and password to obtain proxy access to your institutional library. (For security, the username and password are encrypted on the mobile device before authenticating the user. This information is not shared with QxMD staff.) The app then asks you to select journals and specialties to follow. That is it; you are ready to use the app.

The user interface is very easy to understand. There is an upper toolbar with 6 buttons that allows you to browse articles by (1) articles featured for you based on your initial setup, (2) journals preselected by you, (3) collections selected by the app, (4) new topics you wish to explore, (5) stored favorite articles selected by you, and (6) a basic search engine. A seventh button allows you to change your settings. Below the toolbar are articles.

Browsing articles also is very easy, as individual papers are arranged as a mosaic created to resemble browsing through a magazine. The title of each article followed by a summary (usually an abstract) is displayed. To see more articles, you “flip” the page with your finger. Clicking on an article brings up the entire abstract and options to download the PDF, store it as a favorite, or share the article with a friend. Downloaded PDFs are presented in a PDF editor with basic highlighting and annotating functions. If you need additional capabilities, there is a button for exporting articles to other PDF readers.


How can it help me?
I use Read by QxMD to stay up-to-date with dermatologic literature when I have limited windows of downtime, such as drinking my morning cup of coffee or waiting in lines; while other people are playing Angry Birds, this app allows me to get work done! The personalization and magazine-style presentation are enjoyable as I’m keeping up with dermatologic literature. I would not use this app as a point-of-care decision support tool, a journal article storage tool, or PDF editor, as there are better apps designed for those processes. I also suggest limiting the journals and specialties you follow to those you are highly interested in or you will become overwhelmed scanning through articles that are only somewhat interesting to you.

How can I get it?
Because Read by QxMD is free, every dermatologist should try this mobile app.

It is available in the Apple App Store for your iPod Touch, iPad, and/or iPhone.

For a list of participating institutions, go to www.qxmd.com.

What is it?
Rather than opening up a different journal app for each individual subscription or searching through multiple journals online, Read by QxMD collects articles related to your interests from all your favorite journals and creates a virtual personalized journal. It is my favorite app for staying current with dermatology literature.


How does it work?
When you enter this app for the first time, it asks for a username and password to obtain proxy access to your institutional library. (For security, the username and password are encrypted on the mobile device before authenticating the user. This information is not shared with QxMD staff.) The app then asks you to select journals and specialties to follow. That is it; you are ready to use the app.

The user interface is very easy to understand. There is an upper toolbar with 6 buttons that allows you to browse articles by (1) articles featured for you based on your initial setup, (2) journals preselected by you, (3) collections selected by the app, (4) new topics you wish to explore, (5) stored favorite articles selected by you, and (6) a basic search engine. A seventh button allows you to change your settings. Below the toolbar are articles.

Browsing articles also is very easy, as individual papers are arranged as a mosaic created to resemble browsing through a magazine. The title of each article followed by a summary (usually an abstract) is displayed. To see more articles, you “flip” the page with your finger. Clicking on an article brings up the entire abstract and options to download the PDF, store it as a favorite, or share the article with a friend. Downloaded PDFs are presented in a PDF editor with basic highlighting and annotating functions. If you need additional capabilities, there is a button for exporting articles to other PDF readers.


How can it help me?
I use Read by QxMD to stay up-to-date with dermatologic literature when I have limited windows of downtime, such as drinking my morning cup of coffee or waiting in lines; while other people are playing Angry Birds, this app allows me to get work done! The personalization and magazine-style presentation are enjoyable as I’m keeping up with dermatologic literature. I would not use this app as a point-of-care decision support tool, a journal article storage tool, or PDF editor, as there are better apps designed for those processes. I also suggest limiting the journals and specialties you follow to those you are highly interested in or you will become overwhelmed scanning through articles that are only somewhat interesting to you.

How can I get it?
Because Read by QxMD is free, every dermatologist should try this mobile app.

It is available in the Apple App Store for your iPod Touch, iPad, and/or iPhone.

For a list of participating institutions, go to www.qxmd.com.