

Helpfile for Psion Series 3 Database File : Drug/dbf
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The enclosed file is a standard format database file suitable for use
in all Psion Series 3 machines.  I understand that Psion Series 5 machines
are able to translate Series 3 databases into their new format, so this
file could also be used with Series 5 machines as well.

It contains a database with fairly full details of all the drugs in the
British National Formulary.  It is not a direct copy of the BNF, but brings
together the information in a way which is easily accessable for Psion
computers.  Every drug is covered, and all trade names are also stated in
brackets, useful if a patient mentions a drug by its trade name, and you
don't know what it is.  Every entry has the drug name and an indication, as
well as (where possible) the side effects, cautions, contra-indications,
interactions, modes of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and doses.

Note also that this release is a 'restricted' version.  Almost all of the
fields containing Side effects, Cautions, Contra-indications & Interactions
have been removed.  The original release last year had all these fields
present but was banned shortly after its release because of copyright
problems with the publishers of the BNF.  I dispute that I have infringed
their copyright, but lack the time and resources to argue the case.  Despite
all of the above, I continue to use and develop the complete version of the
database for my own use, but I am no longer permitted to publish it from
my website.


See the first entry of the database for general notes and the disclaimer.


This database is the culmination of about five years work!  I first started
it soon after I purchased my first Psion Series 3, and initially it had 
just a few drugs which were the most common ones which I prescribed, but 
gradually it built up to be many more of the less common ones.

In January 1998, I searched the internet for a file which had all the 
drugs in the BNF, and finding that there wasn't one, I decided to go for
it and enter every last drug in the BNF.  I finished it on the 18th August
1998 and have placed it on my website so doctors the world over can use 
it as a mobile medical resource.


It should be stated that you use the file and its contents at your own
risk.  As far as I know, the contents are correct, but don't blame me
if you use the information and something untoward happens.


This file is freely distributable on a person to person basis, but the
copyright remains my own.  If you wish to re-publish this database from
another website or public domain then I will quite likely allow you, but
please contact me first for permission and conditions.  The file must be
distributed unchanged and in its entirety, and if possible with this
'help' file included.

If you find any errors, or you just want to talk, then contact me by email.
If you decide to use it, I would appreciate it if you register your use
using the 'on-line registration form' on my website.  The address can be
found below.

I hope you all find it useful.


Jason Wolfe

email - jwolfe@clara.net
www   - http://www.jwolfe.clara.net


(Up to date for the BNF No 36, March 1998)
(I will be updating it whenever a new BNF comes out)

(21st March 1999)
