PEPID (Portable Emergency Physician Information Database) is a medical reference
tool designed with emergency personnel in mind. With over 40 specialists contributing
to its development, this comprehensive database provides an wide array of information.
PEPID includes information concerning diagnosis, signs and symptoms, differential
diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment for both common and extremely rare
conditions.
Learning how to navigate through PEPID took about 15 minutes. The Table of
Contents (TOC) includes general topics such as Trauma, Organ Systems, Resuscitation,
Specialties, and Drugs. These general topics then get more specific as you go
from page to page. For example selecting Drugs takes you to a listing of conditions
you may be treating. This listing includes Anesthesia, Dermatology, Pain, and
infections. The Drugs section has over 1000 commonly used drugs and also contains
important information on Overdoses and Antidotes as well as current information
on Immunizations and Vaccinations. The Drugs section even contains facts on
commonly abused drugs and their street names. There is even a section on prescribing
for pregnant patients.
I found that when looking for something specific, it was easier for me to use
the Alphabetical Index. This index allows you to key in the first three letters
of what you are looking for, and then takes you to a listing of words that start
with those letters.
The convenience of PEPID lies in its portability and ease of use. The entire
reference fits into your palmtop/hand held computer. Should it be inconvenient
for you to carry a palmtop computer, PEPID can also be installed on your laptop
or your PC. Information is also updated regularly and is available via email,
PEPIDs web site, or disk.
The advantages of this product are its comprehensive database, portability,
and rapid access to information. I believe that PEPID would be a great reference
tool for nurse practitioners in the Emergency Department or a Walk-In Clinic.