Use of handheld computers as bedside information providers

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Clinical Decision Support
• Healthcare Technology

Background:

• Accessing clinical reference information at the point-of-care is challenging due to the lack of portable materials.
• Advancements in handheld computer technology enable their use as clients for distributed knowledge systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and impact of using handheld computers and clinical applications in real-world medical practice.
• To address questions regarding the cost, benefits, risks, and workflow changes associated with handheld device integration.

Main Methods:

• A pilot project was conducted at Geneva University Hospital.
• The study focused on two internal medicine clinics.
• Handheld devices and associated clinical applications were utilized.

Main Results:

• The study gathered data on the practical application of handhelds in clinical settings.
• Results will inform the understanding of integrating technology into medical workflows.
• Key metrics such as cost, benefits, and risks were investigated.

Conclusions:

• Handheld computers show promise for improving point-of-care information access.
• Further analysis is needed to fully understand the implications for clinical practice.
• The study provides valuable insights into the integration of mobile technology in healthcare.