Librarian reviewers from Saskatchewan Health Authority and Alberta Health Services consider the audience and purpose of the apps, as well as highlighting additional features:
Our complete grading criteria is embedded in the review.
Note: Reviewers are not healthcare professionals and don't appraise the quality of any recommendations within the app. Reviews are not meant as endorsements.
Drugs.com Medication Guide |
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Image Source: Drugs.com Medication Guide, Apple App Store. Retrieved on Aug 17,2021 from: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drugs-com-medication-guide/id599471042
Stated Purpose
“The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. All mobile-optimized to speed up your browsing experience.” (2,3)
Features
N/A
Screenshots
Image Source: Drugs.com Medication Guide, Apple App Store. Retrieved on Aug 17, 2021 from: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drugs-com-medication-guide/id599471042
Specialties/Disciplines
For healthcare professionals in general. No specific specialties were identified.
All medical, health, and allied health professions. This app may also be used by patients and lay people as it contains consumer health content.
Notes
None
Part 1: Editorial committee, content updates, and evidence grading
Some entries contain the reviewers’ names and credentials. The app has an “Editorial Policy” section where information about individual members of the editorial team can be found. Links are provided for the LinkedIn accounts for only a few members of the editorial team. The Drugs.com Drug Information Database is powered by several independent leading medical-information suppliers, including; American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Cerner Multum and IBM Watson Micromedex. Individual drug (or drug-class) content compiled by these sources is peer reviewed and delivered by Drugs.com.
Drugs.com also publishes health content from other sources such as Harvard Health Publications, Mayo Clinic, and Animalytics. The app contains a Terms and Conditions section, but there is no specific mention of “conflict of interest”. No grading systems are mentioned. Entry clearly dated for the drug monographs only.
Part 2: Source and authorship information for 3 entries
Some entries contain the reviewer’s names and their credentials. Some entries are marked as “Medically reviewed” by Drugs.com and the term “Medically reviewed” linked to the editorial team. Some editorial team members have the links to their LinkedIn profiles. Some editorial team members have their affiliation information listed. Entries for professionals include a citation list. The FDA Monographs have no external links to the original information on the US Food and Drug Administration website.
Organization of information
The home screen displays 15 options for users to select and browse. There is also a search feature at the top of the home screen. |
Navigation
The organization of the app is pretty straightforward and easy to navigate.
Extras
User Account required: Yes
Internet connection required for use: Yes
Text search field: Yes
Browsable content: Yes
Advertisements: Yes
Pop-up advertisements: No
In-app purchases: Yes
Devices
Compatible with iPad, iPhone, iPad Air, iPod touch, Mac; iPad, iPhone, iPad Air & iPod Touch require iOS 12.0 or later, Mac requires OS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drugs-com-medication-guide/id599471042
Last updated (as per App store listing): June 22, 2021
Requires Android 5.0 and up. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drugscom.app
Last updated (as per Google Play listing): June16, 2021
Size
42.1 MB iPhone (Apple)
17 MB (Android)
App Developer
Drugs.com
Country of Origin
New Zealand
Contact
Drugsite Trust – Corporate Office
25 Apollo Drive, Suite A
North Shore
Auckland 0632
New Zealand
Website: www.drugs.com
Emails: apps@drugs.com
Telephone: +649 476 8500
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