Both of Epocrates and Skyscape have developed a CME solution for the PDA to our liking and convenience
In this blog I attempt to compare the two programs
| Epocrates MobileCME |
Skyscape CME 3600 |
|
| Pda4peds Review |
Click Here | Click Here |
|
Updates and Synchronization |
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| Updates | Available | Available |
| Automatic Updates |
Yes, as part of Epocrates Autoupdate | Yes, when the device is docked the Skyscape SmARTsync synchronizes with server |
| Frequency of Updates |
Not impressive as new items added after long periods | Little better with new items added every now and then |
| Wireless Updates |
Possible, all Epocrates program components can be updated via wireless connection | Unlike other Skyscape titles there is no way that we can update CME 360 remotely |
| Removal of expired and completed activities | No, sometimes outdated credits still appear | Yes, Specific items can be deleted |
|
Accreditation and Certificates |
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| Retrieval of certificates |
Yes, via email and the online account | Yes, via the online account |
| Accreditation |
ACCME, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits | ACCME, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits |
| Cross linking to other parts of the Epocrates program | No |
No |
| Requesting Duplicate Certificates |
Yes, can be asked from the device itself |
No |
| Fees |
Free |
Free |
| Specialties and Content |
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| Number of Specialties covered |
Not many (8 at the time of this review) | Many (20 at the time of this review) |
| Pediatric-Only Option |
Yes and can be pre-selected |
Yes, but it is not pre-selected, every time you need to select pediatric |
| Sources |
MedPageToday, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | MedPageToday |
| Enjoyable Content |
Very enjoyable and relevant to clinical practice | The pediatric content is not very interesting |
| Case Based Learning | Sometimes | Not seen |
| Literature Based Learning | Yes | Yes |
| Reviewers and Authors | Mentioned | Mentioned |
| Overview and Objectives | Mentioned | Mentioned |
| Evaluation Forms | Requested at end | Requested at end |
|
Software and Interface |
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| Device Compatibility | Palm and Windows Mobile | Palm and Windows Mobile |
| Synchronization |
Flawless |
Some problems and bugs noted on PPC platform |
| Vista Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Indexing and Search |
A find icon placed at the bottom that can search the entire CME database | A look for search is placed at the bottom but it can only search titles and not the contents of each activity and there is no indexing as is the case with other Skyscape titles |
| Point of Care credit earning |
No, Only designated CME activities can be claimed for credits | Yes, clinical questions answered using any other Skyscape title can be claimed for CME credits |
| Look and Colors | Simple Epocrates interface | Very colorful and attractive |
| Navigation | Easy | Very easy |
| Email Notification | Yes | No |
| Online Account | Yes | Yes |
For a web based table click here
Personally I don’t prefer one over the other both of them are great and both of them have revolutionized the way we earn CME credits, very convenient, no need for conferences, free, right onto our Handhelds!
Tags: Epocrates, Pediatric CME, Skyscape