Journal of Postgraduate Medicine Medknow Publications and Staff Society of Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India ISSN: 0022-3859 EISSN: 0972-2823 Vol. 48, Num. 1, 2002, pp. 82

Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, Vol. 48, Issue 1, 2002 pp. 82

Software Review - Compu-Consults

Sandeep Bavdekar

Department of Paediatrics, Seth G. S. Medical College and K. E. M. Hospital, Parel, Mumbai - 400 012, India.

Code Number: jp02027

Compu-Consults

Availability: Mayer Zev Enterprises Ld.
123 Machray Avenue, Winninpeg, MB Canada R2W 0Z2
Phone: (204) 582-0989 Fax: (204) 582-8555.
Out of province or state: 1-800-230-5520
E-mail: physicians@compu-consults.com
Hardware requirements: Not mentioned, it works well with minimal software and hardware
resources
Cost: Each module is avilable for $49.00
(Additional $6.00 for shipping and handling)
Intended users: Clinicians in private practice

Compu- Consults are a series of medical software programs developed by Mayer Zev Enterprises (MZE) Ltd. with the aim of providing assistance to clinicians in private practice regarding diagnosis and management of patients with new, emerging and challenging medical problems. The various disorders listed include Infectious Diseases, Cardiovascular diseases, Neurological, Rheumatological, Psychiatric, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal and Endocrinological diseases. Conditions such as Hepatitis B, HIV and AIDS and Hepatitis C are discussed separately considering their importance.

Each disorder is discussed under several sub-headings. These include definition, manifestations, diagnostic studies and management issues. The information provided is precise as well as concise. There are certain unique headings, as well. These include the common mistakes done and how to avoid them. Links are provided for credible websites and for internet search so as to enable the reader to gather additional relevant information. This is necessary as all the information has not been included in the present software and as the knowledge is expanding by the day and as guidelines get constantly revised.

The software has sections for patient data entry so that patient information can be retrieved at the time of follow- up. Thus, the software also provides administrative assistance to the clinician. As the relevant clinical and laboratory parameters are listed in data forms, these serve as a reminder for the clinician to check for these details during the visits. Coloured, graphic displays of patient data affords easy recognition of response to therapy.

This software program does not provide flow-charts that could assist diagnostic process nor does it provide artificial intelligence. It is designed to assist physicians in the management of challenging patients in an informed and efficient manner. It is expected that with this ready-to-use reference material on the office computer, the clinician will save time with fewer visits to the Library, will make fewer mistakes and will be able to deal with more patients, avoiding unnecessary referrals. However, the clinicians may still have to refer to some other resources as the information provided for individual disorders is not extensive.

Sandeep Bavdekar

Department of Paediatrics,
Seth G. S. Medical College and K. E. M. Hospital,
Parel, Mumbai - 400 012, India.

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