Radiology Toolbox Pro is designed to serve as an "ectopic brain" for radiology, with handy references such as management criteria for a number of conditions, as well as calculators and charts. It was developed by Dr. Eric Baumel from Digital Imaging Diagnostics of Wellington, FL. Baumel has also co-founded Softcode Systems, a company that creates educational and decision-support tools for healthcare professionals.
Radiology Toolbox Pro developer Dr. Eric Baumel.AuntMinnie.com recently chatted with Baumel to learn more about the app, which is a finalist in the Best Radiology Mobile App category for the 2014 Minnie Awards.
AuntMinnie: What inspired you to create this app? What problem does the app solve or help handle?
Baumel: As a practicing radiologist, I found that I was looking up the same facts over and over again during the course of reading cases. In many of the reading rooms we all have worked in, there are copies of charts, notes, and diagrams taped to the walls. I thought it would be great if I could have the information available on my iPhone in one place, rather than searching for the information again each time.
How did you develop the app?
I developed both Radiology Toolbox Pro and Radiology Toolbox Lite myself. For these initial apps, I taught myself the Objective-C programming language and the Xcode development environment required by Apple. I also created the medical illustrations for the app. I had previously learned several other programming languages over the years.
Who is the target audience for your app, and how is it most often used?
The target audience for the app is practicing radiologists, radiology residents, and fellows. It's also even for subspecialized radiologists who have to cover cases that are outside of their usual areas of expertise. Many technologists and technologist students have also downloaded the apps.
What are the app's most important features?
From the feedback we have received, some of the most frequently used features are the GFR [glomerular filtration rate] calculator, adrenal adenoma washout calculator, cervical lymph node level diagram, solitary pulmonary nodule chart, and contrast premedication information.
Radiology Toolbox Pro's glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculator and solitary pulmonary nodule guidelines chart as seen on an iPhone. All images courtesy of Dr. Eric Baumel.For me, the most important feature is that the users can send us email feedback of what additional tools they would like included in future releases. I have been really thrilled by the feedback.
How many users do you currently have for the app?
Radiology Toolbox Lite has been downloaded more than 69,000 times in 120 countries, with 65% outside of the U.S. The Pro version has been downloaded by more than 4,500 users, of whom 53% are from outside of the U.S.
Radiology Toolbox Pro's adrenal adenoma CT washout calculator as seen on an iPad.What are your future plans for the app? Do you have any new features or content in the works, and do you have any plans to develop a version for Android?
An update is in progress that will add an additional dozen new tools. It's planned for release in the first quarter of 2015.
Initially, most physicians and students used the iOS platform, but that has changed dramatically over the past two years. We hope to port the app to the Android platform soon.
Can you discuss the other apps developed by your development company, Softcode Systems, as well as any other upcoming apps you have in the works?
We have worked with a practicing pediatrician and released a similar app, Pediatric Toolbox. We are also currently working on a new radiology-related app that will be directed toward patients rather than providers.
Radiology Toolbox Pro can be downloaded from the iTunes store, and an introductory free Lite version is also available.
