Drug Utilisation

When Prof. Declan Lyons commenced work as a Consultant Physician at University Hospital Limerick in 1997, conventional wisdom stated that Clinical Knowledge doubled every 17 years. Today, numerous respected sources claim it is doubling every 17 months. Metamorphic changes in medical practice have undoubtedly been witnessed by Declan during his time with the HSE Mid-West, with the area of Drug Usage and Guidance, and how nuanced it has become, being a clear example.

In the not so distant past, a relatively basic appreciation of the characteristics of a limited number of Medicinal Products would often suffice. Nowadays however, an exact knowledge of complex issues such as Posology, Contraindications, Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, and Interactions with other Medicinal Products is a requirement. With a huge number of Medicinal Products now on the market, Declan felt Assistive Technology was the optimum solution to the obvious difficulties today’s trying situation presents.

Working in conjunction with multinational pharmaceutical company, Sanofi with respect to their respected anticoagulant, Clexane; Doctot developed their first Drug Usage and Guidance iPhone and iPod App. Providing Health-Care Professionals with the full Summary of Product Characteristics, also included as part of this officially licensed App were:
- Prophylaxis with Clexane
- the treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome with Clexane
- the treatment of Renal Impairment with Clexane
- T/PE with Clexane

With a simple flick of a switch, the SPC could toggle for Forte syringe and normal syringe data, a feature Health Professionals seemed to particularly admire.

Delighted with the end-product (please see below for screenshots), Sanofi immediately commissioned an Android version from Doctot, which was delivered with trademark precision and style.

Strongly believing in the value of Drug Utilisation Apps going forward, Doctot continue to invest heavily in the programme in the quest to provide safer, more effective use of Medicinal Products.