Epocrates and BMJ Group Unveil Online Clinical Resources
Industry leaders combine strengths to develop new point-of-care applications
San Mateo, CA — July 29, 2008 — Epocrates, Inc., provider of clinical information products and services, and BMJ Group, provider of evidence-based clinical resources and publisher of the British Medical Journal, today announced the launch of new online clinical reference products. Through an exclusive development and marketing partnership, these trusted authorities in clinical information are introducing unique patient centered, web-based solutions to assist clinicians in making critical treatment decisions at the immediate point of care.
“Both companies identified a need in the medical community for quick, online access to relevant treatment information during consultations,” said Kirk Loevner, chief executive officer and chairman for Epocrates. “With our track record of developing innovative point-of-care solutions and BMJ Group’s global reputation for developing authoritative, evidence-based content, we can unite the best of both worlds and create valuable online solutions for healthcare professionals.”
Through the partnership, BMJ Group’s experienced editorial team collaborates with physician authors to create comprehensive disease diagnosis and treatment monographs. In addition to clear, concise expert opinions, the monographs also contain links to the medical evidence in BMJ Clinical Evidence.
The products’ peer-reviewed content seamlessly integrates with Epocrates’ popular online drug reference guide, which includes dosing, interactions, adverse reactions and pricing information on more than 3,500 drugs. After identifying a condition, clinicians can quickly determine appropriate tests to order, compare treatment options and select the best medications for their patients. Clinicians can also print or email educational handouts and pictures for a newly prescribed drug.
“BMJ Group is delighted to be working with Epocrates, a recognized U.S. leader in point-of-care healthcare technology,” said Stella Dutton, chief executive officer for BMJ Group. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to combine our strengths to provide clinicians with accurate and relevant diagnosis and treatment information where and when they need it most.”
With the growing prevalence of computers in exam rooms, healthcare professionals will now be able to conveniently reference up-to-date drug and disease information during or between patient visits. Individuals can access a free version of this unique online reference at www.epocrates.com. In addition, a new premium version specifically designed for institutional use, called BMJ Point of Care, is offered through BMJ Group.
About BMJ Group
BMJ Group is one of the world leaders in medical publishing. The Group publishes the BMJ (British Medical Journal), leading journals covering major medical specialties, BMJ Clinical Evidence and several other evidence-based resources. The mission of the Group is to publish intellectually sound material that will serve the needs of doctors, members, other health professionals, the scientific community and the public.
CONTACT: Erica Sniad Morgenstern Epocrates Public Relations PHONE: (650) 227-6907 E-MAIL: pr@epocrates.com WEB: www.epocrates.com Trish Joyce BMJ Group PHONE: (303) 771-5159 E-MAIL: tjoyce@bmjgroup.com Amelie Johnson (for BMJ Group) George Cohen Communications PHONE: (617) 335-1521 E-MAIL: agjpr@comcast.net