Introducing Micromedex 2.0

Micromedex is an evidence-based, point-of-care tool designed to efficiently meet the drug information needs of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and medical technicians. Many library users may already be frequent users and fans of the current Micromedex interface, now referred to as Micromedex 1.0. Recently, a newly designed interface called Micromedex 2.0 was made available to users. Both interfaces are currently available simultaneously. You can try out Micromedex 2.0 by clicking on the “Use Micromedex 2.0 now!” link located at the top of the screen in Micromedex 1.0. By the end of June 2010, Micromedex 2.0 will contain 100% of the content currently available in 1.0, but until then, 2.0 will not have toxicology information or content from Martindale.

The Micromedex 2.0 interface has been modeled after popular search engines providing a single search box on each page, relevancy ranked results, and clean, easy navigation. The search box supports single and multiple term searches, as well as natural language queries. For example, you can type in a simple question as you would normally ask it such as, “What are the non FDA approved uses for Botox?” Spelling help has also been incorporated into the new interface. If you are unsure how to spell a drug or disease, slowly begin typing the term and a suggestion list will appear below the search box.

Pictured: The 360° View Dashboard for Plavix as featured in Micromedex 2.0

A new feature of Micromedex 2.0 is the 360° View Dashboard which collects all of the results for a search in one easy to browse and navigate page. The 360° View Dashboard provides quick links to drug summary information through DrugPoint, as well as access to evidence-based, detailed evaluations from DrugDex. When applicable, the 360° View Dashboard provides an image of the drug along with links to related Drug Consults. Drug Consults are articles or reports written for Micromedex that provide information apart from the drug monographs. They are evidence-based and may address topics such as the recommended drug treatment guidelines for a specific condition, or even provide information such as a listing of alcohol free OTC medications. To view an alphabetical list of all the Drug Consults currently available, simply search “drug consults”.

Micromedex 2.0 has many helpful tools to assist in patient care. There is a Drug Identification component where you can search for the name of a drug by its imprint or physical description. The Drug Comparison module allows you to compare two drug monographs side by side. A number of Clinical Calculators that include dosing tools and laboratory values are also available. Speaking of laboratory values, Micromedex 2.0 includes evidence-based laboratory test information via Lab Advisor. Lab Advisor provides data such as a definition of the lab test, indications, collection/storage methods, and LOINC codes. It comes in handy when you need to brush up on the specifics of an unfamiliar or rarely used lab test. To access Lab Advisor, simply type the name of the test into the search box. Blackberry users on campus will also be pleased to learn that Micromedex provides mobile access. For instructions on how to connect from your mobile device please visit this link, or click on “Mobile” located at the top of each page in Micromedex.

Whether you are a longtime user of the Micromedex 1.0 interface or new to the database, now is the perfect time to give the new features of Micromedex 2.0 a try. If you love the new interface, let the library know and we can request to have it set as our default interface. If you have questions about Micromedex, or any of our pharmacology resources, please contact the library at 313-916-2550 or sladen@hfhs.org. – JoAnn Krzeminski, MLIS