Related Experiment Videos
Handheld computers in medicine: the way forward
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, York District Hospital, York YO31 8HE, UK. alex.horsley@tiscali.co.uk
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|July 7, 2005
Summary
Handheld computer use is common among physicians in a British hospital, with doctors in training utilizing medical software most. Cost and UK practice applicability are key barriers to wider adoption.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Healthcare Technology Adoption
Background:
- Handheld computers are increasingly prevalent in medical settings.
- Limited data exists on physician usage patterns and preferred functionalities of these devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent and nature of handheld computer use among physicians in a British hospital.
- To identify which functions of handheld computers are most valued by medical professionals.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 55 physicians in a British hospital regarding handheld computer ownership and usage.
- Analysis of user demographics and software application preferences.
Main Results:
- 40% (22 of 55) of physicians reported owning and using handheld computers.
- Physicians in training grades showed higher utilization of medical software, including textbooks, calculators, and formularies.
- Primary barriers identified were software costs and limited relevance to United Kingdom clinical practice.
Conclusions:
- Significant adoption of handheld computers exists within the surveyed British hospital.
- Targeted software development and cost-effective solutions are needed to overcome barriers to wider implementation.