This document provides an overview and comparison of the MDConsult and FirstConsult mobile medical reference applications. MDConsult allows users to browse or search predefined topics and includes links to full text medical articles and books. FirstConsult is a downloaded app that provides summarized information on predefined conditions without requiring online access. Both resources give point-of-care clinical information but FirstConsult content is optimized for mobile and offline use.

1. MDConsult
Go to m.mdconsult.com and Browse by Quick Reference
login Topic or search on a
keyword/phrase

2. MDConsult
Some keyword searches will be If a QRT, is not available, MDC will
automatically mapped to a Quick return search results by format
Reference Topic (QRT), if available. (books, clinics, journals)

3. MDConsult
Clicking on the down arrow Click on the MDCm logo to get
under “Search Results” allows back to the Quick Reference
you to select & view citations in Topic listing.
each format.

4. MDConsult
You can also browse or search Quick Reference Topics are
for a predefined Quick divided into subcategories:
Reference Topic. overview, signs & symptoms,
etiology, etc.

5. MDConsult
Full-text is “mobile
enabled” for easy
reading on smaller
device screens.
Click on the subcategory to get the
full-text of articles or book
chapters selected based on
relevancy by MDCs subject
experts.

6. Now let’s take a look at…
FirstConsult
After initial activation & download, no Browse or search for a
login is necessary for accessing FC. predesignated condition or disease.
Content is stored on the device so it If no results then use broader term or
can be accessed even w/o a data try keyword search in MDC.
connection.

7. FirstConsult
FirstConsult divides topics into subcategories.
Information is in summary form rather than articles/book chapters.

8. FirstConsult
 Clinical Presentation
 Symptoms/Signs
 Associated Disorders
 Differential Diagnosis
 Workup
 Guidelines (w/links)
 Questions to Ask
 Examination
 Summary of Tests/Order
of Tests
 Tests/Special Tests
 Clinical Pearls
 Consider Consult
The summary under each section gives detailed point-of-care information.
The Diagnosis summary includes all aspects of diagnosis including:
differential diagnosis, links to guidelines, information on tests, etc.

9. FirstConsult
 Goals
 Therapeutic options
 Guidelines
 Order of therapies
 Efficacy of therapies
 Summary of evidence
 Management in Special
Circumstances
 Patient & Caregiver issues
 Questions Patients Ask
 Follow-up
 Ask for Advice (Q & As a
clinician might ask)
 Consider Consult
The Treatment section provides information on summary of the evidence,
questions patients ask and what to consider for referring to a specialist to
highlight a few.

10. FirstConsult
Summaries for Outcomes & Prevention are also provided.

11. FirstConsult
Under Resources, references link to a Pubmed record or the publisher site.
The library may or may not subscribe to the journal via the publisher.
Because links go to external source (publisher site) articles will not be
“mobile enabled” for easy viewing.

12. MDC vs. FC Comparison
 MDConsult:  FirstConsult
 Can use on any mobile  A downloaded app that works on
device that is web enabled iPhone/iPad/iPodTouch (not for
(not an app)  Android )
 Need to login every time   Except for initial activation and to
 Content stored on the web download updates, don’t need to
(cannot be accessed w/o login every time you use 
data connection)   Content stored on your device
 Links to fulltext of journal (good for when no data
articles, books & clinics – connection is available) 
formatted for viewing on a  Gives full information in summary
mobile device  format for each
 Browse/Search for disease/condition. 
predesignated topics + allows  Links to articles under the
searching for keyword Resources section . Fulltext of
phrases not in the articles may/may not be
predesignated list  accessible & may not be
formatted for mobile viewing. 
 Can only find information on
predesignated
diseases/conditions. If not finding
what you are looking for use a
broader term or search MDC. 

13. Not a Clinician? Reasons to Download
FirstConsult/MDConsult for Non-Clinicians…
 Resources section (FC)  Topics found on common
often lists leading ailments:
Associations websites where  Sprains & fractures (MDC)
you can find Patient  Headaches (FC)
Education materials on  Insect/spider bites/stings
specific disease/condition (FC)
 Some entries have Patient  Snake/reptile bites (FC)
Education information  Back pain (MDC, FC)
available and/or links to
websites. (FC)  Altitude sickness (FC)
 Heat Stroke (MDC)
 In a major disaster, your
mobile device can be a  Childhood Immunization
source of information for schedule (FC)
clinicians if data connections  Flu (FC)
are down (FC).  Lice (FC)
 Be a better patient, research  Motion Sickness (FC)
your disease/condition to ask
better questions at
appointments.