Here’s a list of apps that are in order of how essential we find them. There’s probably more out there so drop us a comment if you have any suggestions to add!
Accurx (free, available on iOS/Android)
Can be used in ANY trust and once you’ve logged in it is trust specific. Perfect for having the entire up to date telephone directory (extensions and bleep numbers) to hand rather than going to switchboard or checking the directory on the trust intranet. It’s especially useful for quick dialling an extension when there isn’t a free phone nearby.
BNF/BNFC (free, available on iOS/Android)
An essential app for all grades – really simple to use. Essentially it is a portable BNF and you can quickly find a medication (by actual drug name or brand name) with indications, doses/ routes, monitoring requirements and check drug interactions.
BMJ Best Practice (free to all NHS staff in England, Scotland and Wales – register with your NHS email or OpenAthens account, available on iOS/Android)
A comprehensive clinical decision-support app widely used across the NHS, providing evidence-based guidance on diagnosis, investigations, and management. It offers clear step-by-step summaries, alongside links to guidelines and references. The app is regularly updated and available offline, making it a reliable resource for quick, safe decision-making on busy ward shifts.
Eolas Medical (free, available on iOS/Android)
A useful clinical reference app tailored for UK doctors, offering quick access to locally approved guidelines, especially antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, and clinical pathways. Content is often customised to local protocols – reducing uncertainty and improving efficiency on the ward.
NOTE: Not all trusts use this app, some have developed their own specific microbiology apps such as Addenbrookes has created RxGuidelines.
Health Toolbox (free, available for iOS/Android)
A how-to guide designed to help new doctors and updated by current/previous resident doctors who worked at the trust as a handover guide to help the new cohort. Gives you trust-specific advice, essential local firm-specific survival guides, contact details for departments/ other staff, and help on how to make requests for radiology/ investigations and speciality referrals.
iResus (free, available for iOS/Android)
Great for a quick refresher of the resuscitation algorithms whilst you’re making your way to a medical emergency call.
MDCalc (free, available on iOS/Android)
The best app available for using evidence-based clinical calculators and algorithms and really easy to use. It has hundreds of formulas and calculators and most of them you won’t need. Saves time having to think about how to calculate the creatinine clearance, serum osmolality or QTc for a patient or trying to work out the CHA2DS2-VASc or HAS-BLED score, etc. All you have to do is input the relevant patient data and go.
Foundation Doctor Handbook (£2.99 for iOS/ £2.99 for Android)
Designed specifically for Foundation Doctors and junior medical staff, the Foundation Doctor Handbook is the ultimate quick-reference tool to support your daily clinical decisions. Whether you’re on ward rounds, in the emergency department, or studying, this app puts essential information right at your fingertips.
ToxBase (free, available for iOS/Android)
Management of overdoses or poisoning of most substances
NHS Blood Assist and NHS Blood Components (free, available for iOS/Android)
Free NHS apps that support safe transfusion practice. Blood Assist gives quick guidance on administering blood products, while Blood Components outlines indications based on national guidelines.
GeekyMedics (free, available for iOS/Android)
OSCE & clinical skills guide
QxMD (free, available on iOS/Android)
Another app for clinical calculators
Written By Dr Ibtisam Hasan & Dr Akash Doshi
Updated by Dr Maria Haq (FY2)
4 thoughts on “Essential Apps”
I also found On-call very useful for tracking jobs on my on-calls. Free.