A medical calculator is a type of medical computer software, which purpose is to allow easy calculation of various scores and indices, presenting the user with a friendly interface that hides the complexity of the formulas. Most offer further helpful information such as result interpretation guides and medical literature references.[1][2][3] Generally, such calculators are intended for use by health care professionals, and use by the general public is discouraged.
Medical calculators arose because modern medicine makes frequent use of scores and indices that put physicians' memory and calculation skills to the test.[4] The advent of personal computers, the Internet and Web, and more recently personal digital assistants (PDAs) have formed an environment conducive to their development, spread and use.
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Purpose-built devices for specific medical calculations are available from various commercial sources.
Software-based medical calculators are available for various PDA-platforms, including the iPhone,[5] Palm and Pocket PC.[6]