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| Bill Yates Brain Posts |
I enjoyed a recently posted TED talk that has some neuroscience implication. I will summarize a TED MED presentation by David Pogue. The talk was titled "Can the iPhone Save Your Life?". The presentation was presented live in October of 2009 but just recently became available on the website.
David is a key electronics guru and educator with a regular column in the New York Times. He was asked about the potential role for the iPhone and other smart phones in medicine. David has a large Twitter following and asked his audience their best recommendations for medical apps. Here is the list of apps he briefly reviews in the TED MED talk:
- Jet Lag RX-An application that let's you input your travel schedule. Provides advice on adjusting sleeping schedule to combat jet lag symptoms. This app is not listed as of today in the iTunes store. Four other jet lag apps are available.
- uHear-An application that can be used to check hearing. Earbuds are used and the app tests hearing across a variety of frequencies. Highly rated by reviewers on the iTunes website.
- SoundAMP-An application that can be used to amplify ambient sound to help you hear better. This app now comes in a Lite (free) version and one that sells for 99 cents.
- Proloquo2go- The most expensive app reviewed, this app now costs $189. It is an alternative communication device that allows users to touch screen and communicate with others. Has been used successfully in ALS, mental retardation and autism. Pogue noted it can replace computer devices costing $6000 or more, plus it is portable.
- Period Tracker/Period Tracker for Men-This app allows for recording and tracking menstrual cycles. Additionally, can be used to record associated symptoms and predict future cycles. Also can be synced to husband/spouses device to assist communication.
- Lose It!- Free food calorie diary that tracks daily calorie intake and provides database of calorie counts for a variety of foods. Also allows tracking of exercise calories. A good mobile surveillance device for those interesting in weight loss.
- Osirix-An app for physicians that allows physicians to download a view radiology images. Uses radiology standard image viewing.
- Anatomy Lab- A $9.99 application that simulates a human cadaver. Allows for moving through a variety of levels as the virtual body is dissected.
- Epocrates-A physician drug database tool. Allows for searching for medications, doses, adverse effects and drug interactions. Available also online.
- AirStrip OB- Allows obstetricians to remotely monitor labor. The app requires installation of a separate AirStrip OB system.
- AllScripts Remote-A remote access tool for physicians to access their patient's electronic medical record.
- Lifescan Bluetooth Wireless Glucose Monitor-This app is not available currently on iTunes, but several glucose log apps are available.
- Magnifier-An app that magnifies images like a magnifying glass. Uses iPhone camera to view then enlarge print. This could be quite helpful for the visually impaired.
I found one possible lifesaving application for the iPhone--a blood alcohol monitoring device (see reference). Japanese researchers have tested the iPhone as a potential device that could supplant the alcohol monitor car lock. This research suggests the iPhone has sufficient ability through cognitive and psychomotor testing to tell if someone is safe to drive.
Post a comment if you have experience with a cool phone app that you feel can impact medical care.
Matsumura K, Yamakoshi T, & Ida T (2009). Performance measures of alcohol-induced impairment: towards a practical ignition-interlock system for motor vehicles. Perceptual and motor skills, 109 (3), 841-50 PMID: 20178284
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