This package is written for health professionals and others
who must routinely do drug calculations. There are two
applications in this package:
1. Drug Calculations for Nurses
2. Teachers Tools
Drug Calculations for Nurses
----------------------------
This program generates drug calculation questions and
solutions and presents them to the user in the form of
a test. Users select from a menu of question types e.g.
1. Metric conversion
2. Tablet dosages
3. Fluid dosages
4. IV Flow rates
5. Setting an IV
6. Determining IV flow by counting drops
Additional tests can be created using the 'Teachers Tools'
package.
The tablet and fluid dosages are generated from a database
of drugs which include usual dose ranges.
The IV calculations use a graphical simulation of an IV
Burette to assist in visualising the flow rate.
A solution is generated which shows how the answer was
calculated.
Online help is available to the user by pressing "F1".
Teachers Tools
--------------
This is one program which consists of two applications:
1. Drug Database
Users may access, add, delete, change, or re-categorise the
drugs used for constructing questions. Information such
as generic and trade names, usual dose range, usual
increments, dose form and preparation may be entered.
2. Question Construction Set
This application allows users to generate an entire test
complete with help, instructions, description and solutions.
The test can be included in the Drug Calculations menu by
saving the file in the Drug Calculations directory and
'checking' an option. Alternatively the test may be saved
as a text file and accessed by a word processor. This
application was designed for use by teachers. The user may
generate questions using a question generator or they may
write their own.
No help is available for these applications at present.
Platform
========
These programs are written for Windows 95 (and above).
At least 1.5 Meg of Hard Disk space is required as well
as at least 8 Meg of RAM (although they may still run with
less). The program has not been tested on machines with
a clock speed of less than 100 Mhz.
Installation
============
1. Floppy disk
On Windows 95 systems, the user should always install software using
Add/Remove Programs, which is located in the Control Panel.
You can find Control Panel on the Start Settings menu.
Once the you launch Add/Remove Programs, all you have to do is
load your disk and click on the Install push button.
Windows 95 will automatically locate the setup and prompt the user.
On Windows 3.1 or NT systems, you can launch setup using
a DOS prompt or File Manager. From a DOS prompt, the user can go to the
drive containing the distribution disk and type "Setup".
In File Manager, the user can click on the icon of the drive containing
the distribution disk, then double-click on the SETUP.EXE filename.
After installing your application, you will be able to uninstall
it using Add/Remove Programs (Windows 95) or the
Uninstall icon (Windows 3.1 and NT).
2. Zipped File (Obtained on the internet, a BBS or CD)
Unzip the contents of the file in a temporary directory.
See the details of your 'zip' application for details on
how to do this. If you have a windows program such as
'Winzip' this usually just involves clicking on the file.
Run the program 'Setup.exe' in the temporary directory
(using Windows Explorer or File Manager, click on the
program).
Running the software
====================
The install program will create a program manager group (Win 3.1)
or a start menu group (Win 95) which will contain icons
for Drug Calculations for Nurses, Teachers Tools and Help.
Click on the appropriate icon to run the software.
To Create Backup or install Disks
=================================
From Disks
----------
Copy the disks supplied to create a backup.
From a zip file
---------------
The files:
_setup.2
Disk2.id
ReadMe.txt
Should be copied on to a 1.44 MB Diskette and labeled 'Disk 2 of 2'. All remaining files within the zip file should be copied to another disk and labelled 'Disk 1 of 2'. Run 'Setup.exe' from Disk 1 to install.
Registration
============
This software is shareware not freeware. Unregistered
versions of this program may be freely distributed.
If you use and / or enjoy this software please register it.
Registration will ensure that you are not bugged by 'pesky'
reminders to register. It will also enable the author to
continue developing software for nurses.
Support and enquiries:
======================
The author welcomes enquiries and feedback about this software.
email : rlakeman@xtra.co.nz
A WWW page will be set up in the near future.
Registration costs:
===================
$50 (NZ) Individual user licence
This licence applies to individual users
e.g. students.
$150 (NZ) Site licence [$25 per additional computer]
This licence applies to institutions such as
hospitals, universities or polytechnics.
Holders of a site licence may install this
software on one machine for public access
e.g. in a library. A cost of $25 applies for
each additional computer this software is
installed on.
How to register:
================
1. Register with the author:
Send cheque or money order to:
R Lakeman
100 Duchess Cres
HASTINGS
New Zealand
ph (06) 876 2310
email: rlakeman@xtra.co.nz
Or
Send cheque, money order or credit card details to:
Masterton Paper Plus (Authorised Agents)
110 Queen Street
Masterton
Fax (06) 378 7270
Ph (06) 378 7476
2. Be to sure to include the following details with payment:
* Registration Name
(name of individual or institution - Max 35 Characters)
* Individual or site licence (indicate number of users)
* Return address (snail mail or email)
* Whether you wish to be notified of updates
3. A unique password will be sent to you (snail mail or email)
which you can enter into the password field of the registration
screen. You must be sure to enter both the name and the password
