Bugs & Drugs 2.0 vs GrowthPlot

We are pleased to release this new version of Bugs & Drugs. Bugs & Drugs is a comprehensive, evidence-based reference for physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners and other health care practitioners. Bugs & Drugs provides clinicians with the latest recommendations for the appropriate use of antimicrobials and the optimal treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. It is also a key component of antimicrobial stewardship efforts. This reference can optimize patient outcomes and minimize the unintended consequences of antimicrobial use, including toxicity, superinfections, resistance, and unnecessary treatment costs. Bugs & Drugs is divided into six sections: 1. Antibiotics 2. Treatment recommendations for infections in children and adults (including selected ophthalmic, fungal, and parasitic infections), 3. Recommendations for the prevention of infections, 4. Treatment and prophylaxis of dental infections, 5. Infections in Pregnancy and 6. Microbiology The Bugs & Drugs app is well suited for healthcare practitioners looking for an evidence-based mobile reference and provides therapeutic options in a clear, concise manner. Once installed, you do not need internet access to use the content. Internet access is only required for initial installation of the app and to receive updates. The content is prepared by Dr. Edith Blondel-Hill (Medical Microbiologist/Infectious Diseases Specialist, Kelowna General Hospital) and Ms. Susan Fryters (Antimicrobial Stewardship/Infectious Diseases Pharmacist, Alberta Health Services) with the help of over 40 reviewers with expertise in infectious diseases, infection prevention & control, microbiology, pharmacy, and Public Health. Users should seek a doctor’s advice in addition to using this app and before making any medical decisions.

The “GrowthPlot” app plots selected growth parameters (length/height, weight, body-mass index, weight-for-length and head circumference) for typically growing children (using either the “WHO Growth Charts for Canada, March 2014 revision” or the “2000 CDC Growth Charts” reference. You can also plot selected growth parameters (length/height, weight, weight-for-length/height, body-mass index and head circumference) for children with a number of syndromes (Turner, Down, Noonan, Prader–Willi, Russell–Silver and Klinefelter) using the QuickChart API, which results in a link which allows you to save or share the chart image. Citations are provided for each reference range used for these calculations.