The National Library of Medicine’s new Mobile MedlinePlus builds on NLM’s MedlinePlus internet service that provides consumer health information to over 10 million visitors per month. The site can be found at (http://m.medlineplus.gov).
The mobile internet audience is large and growing fast and almost doubled from February 2007 to 2009. The mobile internet audience is now able to access the site through desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices. Some experts predict that within the next five years, more people will connect to the internet via mobile devices than by desktop or laptop computers.
Mobile MedlinePlus information is available in English and Spanish and includes summaries for over 800 diseases, wellness topics, the latest health news, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, and information on prescription and over-the-counter medications.
For example, the “Talking with Your Doctor” page provides information on how to get the most out of your doctor’s visit, the site helps individuals choose specific over the counter medications and learn about side effects, look up information if suddenly your child’s school calls you to tell you your child doesn’t feel well, and the site can be used to learn about safe drinking water when traveling abroad.
