Last Updated Jul 2011
It’s hard to imagine that just a few decades ago the primary way to find clinical reference material was to refer back to a textbook or dig through journals. The internet was just starting to become available to the masses and smart phones were a figment of someone’s imagination.
Today, the internet and smart phones allow you to have access to information in an instant. These technological advances can also help you become a better physical therapist by making reference material available to you when you need it most.
A quick search on any mobile device app store will reveal over 10,000 apps in the Medical, Healthcare and Fitness categories. Physical therapy apps range from physiotherapy glossaries, videos showing proper exercise technique and clinical prediction aids. One of the leaders in the musculoskeletal smart phone apps arena is Clinically Relevant Technologies. Daniel Rhon, MPT, DPT, DSc, Chief Operating Officer at Clinically Relevant Technologies believes the technology can help health care practitioners improve their patient outcomes by having easier access to evidence-based techniques and diagnostic.
Clinically Relevant Technologies has developed several medical software applications to help physical therapists and other medical professionals diagnose musculoskeletal conditions and make decisions based on evidence-supported principles. Applications like the Clinical Orthopaedic Exam (CORE) serves as a reference tool for diagnosing musculoskeletal and orthopedic disorders. The database features nearly 250 clinical tests with easy-to-follow instructions on how to perform the tests. Video demonstrations provide a visual reference for physical therapists. The application also has links direct to medical references for additional information. This application covers everything from tendinous to ligamentous problems for each body part.
Updates are also provided when new tests are available. Rhon states “The CORE app helps physical therapists find and use the best test to determine the right diagnosis for patients.”
Other applications developed by Clinical Relevant Technologies cover everything from clinical tests for musculoskeletal exams, low back pain management and spinal manipulation.
In addition to serving as a clinical reference tool, several universities offer students the choice of using the Clinically Relevant Technologies applications or a traditional textbook.
Learn more about CORE applications for the iPhone and other smart phone devices by listening to a podcast with Daniel Rhon, MPT, DPT, Dsc at PTTalker.com.
Click here for more articles and information on PT Talker.