News
Access to drug data on mobile devices
28 April 2008
Healthcare professionals will soon be able to access the UK's leading
drug knowledge base, the Multilex Drug Data File (Multilex DDF), on the
move, following the development of a new drug reference application for
mobile devices.
First DataBank Europe (FDBE) has worked in partnership with Swedish
software company MedHand International AB to develop Multilex DDF for
mobile devices, such as a PDA.
The application gives access to relevant reference data such as
information on dosage, indications, drug interactions, contraindications
and side effects, which supports clinicians with their decision making.
It has been developed to aid the prevention of medication errors,
improve patient safety at the point of care and save clinicians time by
providing rapid access to drug information in any clinical setting or
while on the move. The new development will also ensure that the data is
available to support all clinical professionals throughout the duration
of a patient's treatment, rather than just at the point at which the
prescription is issued or dispensed.
Anne Cole, hospital pharmacist and employee of FDBE commented,
"Prescribing and monitoring of drug therapy does not necessarily occur
where there is easy access to a computer system. From a clinician's
perspective, the ability to access vast amounts of drug information on
the move is an attractive proposition and will reduce the frequent need
for pharmacists to return to the pharmacy department to access data.
Portable access to Multilex DDF will be of immediate use in practice,
enabling clinicians to make the best use of what is available here and
now, while awaiting the rollout of electronic prescribing and
administration systems."
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