MDCalc

MDCalc is a widely used online medical calculator that provides healthcare professionals with clinical decision support tools. It offers a comprehensive collection of medical calculators, scoring systems, and algorithms that assist in diagnosing and managing various medical conditions. MDCalc is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, making it an essential resource for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

History

MDCalc was founded in 2005 by Dr. Graham Walker and Dr. Joe Habboushe, both of whom are practicing emergency medicine physicians. The platform was created to address the need for reliable and easily accessible medical calculators that could be used at the point of care. Since its inception, MDCalc has grown significantly and is now one of the most trusted resources in the medical community.

Features

MDCalc offers a wide range of features that make it a valuable tool for healthcare professionals:

• Comprehensive Calculator Library: MDCalc includes hundreds of calculators covering various medical specialties, including cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, oncology, and more.
• Evidence-Based Tools: Each calculator is based on peer-reviewed research and clinical guidelines, ensuring that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly find and use the calculators they need.
• Mobile Accessibility: MDCalc is available as a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, enabling healthcare providers to access the tools on-the-go.
• Educational Content: In addition to calculators, MDCalc provides educational content, including articles and videos, to help users understand the clinical context and application of each tool.

Popular Calculators

Some of the most popular calculators on MDCalc include:

• CHA2DS2-VASc score for assessing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation.
• Wells score for evaluating the probability of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• APACHE II score for predicting mortality in critically ill patients.
• MELD score for assessing the severity of chronic liver disease.

Usage

MDCalc is used by a wide range of healthcare professionals, including:

• Physicians: To aid in diagnosis and treatment decisions.
• Nurses: To assist in patient assessment and care planning.
• Medical students: As a learning tool to understand clinical decision-making processes.
• Pharmacists: To calculate appropriate medication dosages and assess drug interactions.

Impact

MDCalc has had a significant impact on clinical practice by providing reliable and accessible tools that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of medical decision-making. It has become an indispensable resource in many healthcare settings, contributing to improved patient outcomes and streamlined workflows.

See Also

• Clinical decision support system
• Medical algorithm
• Evidence-based medicine
• Medical informatics