Autumn App Harvest

Edit: Transcript available at http://bit.ly/18W3C99 

Thursday, October 3rd, we're talking apps. In case you've missed the FDA Press Release, they announced that:

"The agency intends to exercise enforcement discretion (meaning it will not enforce requirements under the Federal Drug & Cosmetic Act) for the majority of mobile apps as they pose minimal risk to consumers. The FDA intends to focus its regulatory oversight on a subset of mobile medical apps that present a greater risk to patients if they do not work as intended."

The FDA will now only enforce the rules for two types of apps. One is where an app effectively turns a mobile device into a regulated medical device, for example when combined with a case that turns a phone into an electrocardiogram machine.The second is when an app is designed to work alongside an existing regulated device, for example as a tool for inspecting and interpreting an X-ray image.

Theoretically, this could allow for greater innovation among medical app developers. However, there are some studies that have come out stating that some medical apps lack evidence and could ultimately hinder patient outcomes. This concern has even led Apple to request App Developers to provide sources for their medical information.

Some questions I'd like to toss about on Thursday's chat are:

• What medical apps are you, physicians, residents, nurses, medical and nursing students using?
• Are there non-medical apps that you're recommending medical staff to consider using?
• How are you sharing app reviews to library users?
• How are you promoting apps to your library users?

I'm certain other questions will come up in discussion. Get ready for some 'reading', app sharing, and promotion ideas. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday's #medlibs chat!

Never participated in a Twitter #medlibs chat before? Check out this overview and come on in, we're a supportive community. See you Thursday October 3rd, 9pm EST/6pm PST.