Lisa Adriani, MLS, AHIP 
Research & Instruction Librarian 
Edward & Barbara Netter Library 
Quinnipiac University 

Clinical Capsules is the latest addition to the MedOne Education platform from Thieme. MedOne Education is a collection of textbooks and multimedia aimed at students, faculty, and residents in the medical and health science fields. An earlier review of MedOne Education published in DCDM can be found here. 

The capsules are a noteworthy new feature that offers concise and high-yield integrated learning modules. While the main purpose of the capsules is to prepare students for the USMLE exams, the content is broad enough that PAs and Nurse Practitioners will find it useful also. They can be used to learn and review diseases, disorders, and procedures. Faculty may supplement course materials with the capsules.  

Content 

Clinical Capsules include 14 primary modules that are arranged by organ system or specialty, such as the cardiovascular system, dermatologic system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Within each primary module are sub-modules that cover more specific areas of each organ system and specialty. The disease-based modules typically include sections such as epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, signs and symptoms, diagnostics, differential diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis. Overall, there are over 250 modules. While there is a USMLE focus, the modules contain content that students and practitioners from various professions would find useful. All are brief and high yield. Each section is concise but provides depth in key areas. Links to guidelines and sources are included.  

The capsules include illustrations, radiographic images, diagrams, tables, and photographs when appropriate. All are excellent quality, highly regarded, and are sourced from Thieme textbooks, which can be exported to supplement presentations.  

The content originates from the Thieme’s German textbook Via Medici. It has been translated and adjusted to reflect the U.S. medical standards and systems. The editorial board consists of many subject experts, mainly MDs affiliated with U.S. medical schools. The editorial process includes medical students in their fourth year as well as early residents. All have taken USMLE Step 2 and matched in the subject areas they are editing and serve to provide insight as to what students will find valuable.   

Features and Layout 

Clinical Capsules can be found on the homepage of MedOne Education from the main menu on the left-hand side. Each capsule has the same look as an ebook with a table of contents menu on the left side and the main text on the right. The layout is easy to follow and clean looking with break-out boxes in a light blue color to highlight definitions, learning tips, and high-yield facts.  

The capsules also have a playlist feature, which allows for tagging the capsules as well as books, images, or chapters from MedOne Education. Playlists essentially become a custom “reading list.” Items can be added by clicking on a yellow star or button on the item users would like to tag. The playlists can be private or shared within an institution with a link. The links can be added to Blackboard and used in the curriculum.  

The capsules are printable and downloadable as a PDF. Citations are available as well as permanent links. Librarians will appreciate that each capsule has a MARC record available so they can be added to a discovery system easily. Additionally, the MedOne App for MedOne Education includes Clinical Capsules, which can be used with Android or Apple phones or tablets.   

Business Model 

Clinical Capsules are included in the MedOne Education base collection subscription. Annual licenses are available with tiered pricing based on enrollment. Individual subscriptions are not available.  

With MedOne Education, institutional access is available with authentication by IP range or with EZproxy, Open Athens, and VPN. A username and password must be created on campus or within IP range. After that, users will be able to access the platform outside of the institutional network. It is compatible with mobile devices and will work on tablets and phones. 

Breakthrough  

Clinical Capsules is a beneficial asset for libraries who serve medical, PA, and nursing students. Students will find it helpful for test preparation and as a tool for learning. Faculty will find it helpful for course materials. Importantly, it contains content from an authoritative and trusted source while having a visually pleasing look.  

Looking toward the future, Thieme has a commitment to add pre-clinical topics within the next year with new modules added monthly. One of the first areas to be added will be biochemistry, which will include clinical correlations. After all new modules are added there will be over 1,000 pre-clinical topics in Clinical Capsules. In addition, Thieme will be focusing on diversity with future updates, especially in areas such as anatomy, so that their product will better reflect the patient population in the U.S. medical system. Also, student assessment modules will be added in 2025.  

Overall, Thieme continues to show dedication to developing indispensable resources for the medical and health sciences communities. Clinical Capsules are an example of that and a great addition to an already valuable resource in MedOne Education.