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Hand-held computers in healthcare: what software programs are available?
Wayne Gillingham1, Alec Holt, John Gillies
1Health Informatics Group, University of Otago, Dunedin.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|October 19, 2002
Summary
Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are transforming healthcare by enabling safer, more effective patient care. These portable devices are becoming essential tools for medical professionals, facilitating a move towards a paperless, wireless healthcare system.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Technology
- Medical Informatics
- Digital Health
Background:
- The healthcare sector is undergoing a technological evolution.
- The medical community prioritizes safe and effective patient care.
- Small, portable computing devices offer potential solutions for point-of-care applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the increasing use and applications of personal digital assistants (PDAs) in healthcare.
- To categorize current PDA software relevant to healthcare professionals and patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of a 2001 PriceWaterhouse Coopers survey on information technology in physician practices.
- Analysis of the trend in PDA adoption by physicians.
- Categorization of existing PDA healthcare software into five groups.
Main Results:
- Physician use of PDAs increased significantly from 26% in 2000 to 60% in 2001.
- PDAs are projected to become standard tools for physicians, akin to stethoscopes.
- PDA healthcare software can be classified into reference, calculator, patient management, personal notebook, and utility categories.
Conclusions:
- Personal digital assistants are poised to revolutionize healthcare, enabling greater ease and safety in medical practice.
- PDAs are key enablers for a transition to a paperless and wireless healthcare environment.
- The diverse range of PDA applications supports various healthcare roles, from clinicians to patients.