Acronyms are an essential, though sometimes baffling, part of the medical lexicon. In a world in which speed and brevity are crucial to communication, they provide us with short forms for complicated concepts that convey a message but don’t take up too much space. PIER on PDA might be thought of as the electronic embodiment of this idea: succinct clinical knowledge available with a minimum of fuss.

You probably have a good idea of what a PDA is, but what about PIER? The American College of Physicians produces an online evidence-based decision support tool, Physicians’ Information and Education Resource (PIER), to aid practitioners with up-to-date information on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of frequently encountered disorders. The College Library provides BC physicians with access to this resource through its online subscription to STAT!Ref. In the summer of 2007, the Library purchased access to a PDA downloadable version of the same reference tool. For information on system requirements and procedures for downloading, just go to the College’s web site, www.cpsbc.ca [12], click on “Library,” “Electronic Journals and Books,” scroll down to “Download STAT!Ref’s PIER on PDA,” and follow the instructions.

If you would like an e-mail reminder to download the text when each new monthly updated version becomes available, just ask the Library to add your name to the list. 

Questions? Phone Karen MacDonell or Ida Bradd at the Library (604 733-6671). 

And if you have trouble with those pesky acronyms, STAT!Ref has an online version of Stedman’s Medical Dictionary to help out.

—Linda Clendenning, Karen MacDonell, Judy Neill
   Librarians/Co-Managers