Contraception vs Rabies

The U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use comprises recommendations for the use of specific contraceptive methods by patients who have certain characteristics or medical conditions. The U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use addresses a select group of common, yet sometimes controversial or complex, issues regarding initiation and use of specific contraceptive methods. The app is developed directly from the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) by the Division of Reproductive Health and covers more than 60 characteristics or medical conditions (U.S. MEC) and numerous clinical situations (U.S. SPR). These recommendations are intended to assist healthcare providers when they counsel women, men, and couples about contraceptive method choice and use. Although these recommendations are meant to serve as a source or clinical guidance, healthcare providers should always consider the individual clinical circumstances of each person seeking family planning services.

Rabies Guide presents guidance for clinicians handling patients with potential rabies exposure. Based upon the New York State Dept of Health 2010 guideline supplemented by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the app walks the provider through the decision steps considering which animal was involved, the nature of the bite or exposure, the availability of the animal for rabies laboratory testing, and details on both rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin treatment. The app addresses such common questions as: • is a raccoon bite high risk for rabies? • how does patient management differ when the animal involved is or is not captured? • how do I handle a stray dog bite? • on what days do I administer the 4 or 5 rabies vaccine injections? • what are the special considerations for bat exposures, children, or intoxicated persons? • if a domesticated animal is well after a 10 day observation, is rabies post-exposure prophylaxis necessary? • do bites from pet hamsters require post-exposure prophylaxis? This app is written and intended for practicing clinicians like ER and urgent care center docs, family physicians, pediatricians, and internists; for resident physician trainees; and for medical students. As an educator and clinician, I am interested in feedback and I would be grateful for guidance on improving the tool.