UpToDate is an evidence based, peer review

Peer review

Peer review is a process of self-regulation by a profession or a process of evaluation involving qualified individuals within the relevant field. Peer review methods are employed to maintain standards, improve performance and provide credibility...

ed medical information resource published by a medical company called UpToDate, Inc. It is available both via the Internet

Internet

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...

 and offline on personal computers or a PDA

Personal digital assistant

A personal digital assistant , also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Current PDAs often have the ability to connect to the Internet...

. An update is published every four months.

The material is written by over 3600 clinicians and has over 7300 topics. It also includes a drug database and a list of medical calculators. Research shows that UpToDate is a frequently used tool preferred by physicians and students over several alternatives. It also has information for patients.

The website was launched in 1992 by Dr. Burton D. Rose along with Dr. Joseph Rush.

Resources

The website has different types of resources available. Including:

• Medical information.
• Free patient information.
• A drug information database by Lexi-Comp
  Lexi-comp
  Lexi-Comp Inc. is a developer of clinical information solutions. The company produces new technology medical equipment including PDA Software, Lexicomp Online, Reference Handbooks and Desktop Software.-History:...
  
  .
• Drug interactions by Lexi-Comp
  Lexi-comp
  Lexi-Comp Inc. is a developer of clinical information solutions. The company produces new technology medical equipment including PDA Software, Lexicomp Online, Reference Handbooks and Desktop Software.-History:...
  
  .
• Medical calculators.

Cost

Many of the services require a subscription: for example, in 2011 a new online subscription for 1 year costs $495, $195 for trainees. Renewals and longer subscriptions are less expensive. For institutional or group practices, prices vary. An offline version for personal computers costs $1495 per year (all prices exclude shipping and handling).

Recommendations

UpToDate is recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians

American Academy of Family Physicians

The American Academy of Family Physicians was founded in 1947 to promote the science and art of family medicine. It is one of the largest medical organizations in the United States, with over 100,000 members...

 and an official educational program of or offered in cooperation with the American Academy of Pediatrics

American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics is the major professional association of pediatricians in the United States. The AAP was founded in 1930 by 35 pediatricians to address pediatric healthcare standards. It currently has 60,000 members in primary care and sub-specialist areas...

, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Rheumatology

American College of Rheumatology

The American College of Rheumatology is an organization of and for physicians, health professionals, and scientists that advances rheumatology through programs of education, research, advocacy and practice support that foster excellence in the care of people with arthritis and rheumatic and...

, American Gastroenterological Association

American Gastroenterological Association

The American Gastroenterological Association "AGA" is a medical association of gastroenterologists. About 17,000 scientists and physicians are members of the organization.-Overview:...

, American Thoracic Society

American Thoracic Society

American Thoracic Society , established in 1905, is an independently incorporated, international, educational and scientific society, serving its 18,000 members worldwide who are dedicated in respiratory and critical care medicine...

, Society of General Internal Medicine

Society of General Internal Medicine

Society of General Internal Medicine SGIM is an American professional society composed of physicians engaged in internal medicine research and teaching. It was originally named The Society for Research and Education in Primary Care Internal Medicine , at its inaugural meeting in 1978...

 and The Endocrine Society

The Endocrine Society

The Endocrine Society is a professional, international medical organization in the field of endocrinology and metabolism, founded in 1916 as The Association for the Study of Internal Secretions. The official name of the organization was changed to The Endocrine Society on January 1, 1952. It is a...

. It offers credits for continuing medical education

Continuing medical education

Continuing medical education refers to a specific form of continuing education that helps those in the medical field maintain competence and learn about new and developing areas of their field. These activities may take place as live events, written publications, online programs, audio, video, or...

 for physicians and nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioner

A Nurse Practitioner is an Advanced practice registered nurse who has completed graduate-level education . Additional APRN roles include the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist s, CNMs, and CNSs...

s.