Hand-held computers

Changes in healthcare delivery, such as patient-focused, point-of-service care, demand that data be entered and accessed at the site where the patient is located (bedside, ER, home, ambulance). But this is not possible without some type of portable information system. The first step to bring information to the patient's side was through the use of bedside computers, but this delivery method has received limited acceptance. At present, some hospitals have begun to use hand-held computers that follow the healthcare clinician, not the patient. Why? Fewer terminals are needed. Handhelds have become easier to use with intuitive graphical user interfaces. As the size of computers has decreased, so has the cost. Personal-sized assistants come in many formats, using proprietary or off the shelf software, or bar code attachments, and with various ports for card or cable access. Most people are becoming computer literate, adapting to downloading, recharging, inserting, and pen/keystroking.