A review on diffusion of personal digital assistants in healthcare

This review draws from a comprehensive literature search and reviews the adoption, usage and impact of personal digital assistants (PDAs) in healthcare. Adoption relates to the rationale for, barriers to and scope of adopting PDAs. Usage relates to the types of health professionals using PDAs, and their functionalities and features. Impact relates to perceived outcomes, actual outcomes and improved productivity from PDA use. The review shows that although PDA adoption and usage in healthcare are growing, there are very few studies that provide evidence-based results about impacts of such adoption and use. However, the preliminary impact studies that have been done have shown promise with regards to PDA use improving patient outcomes. We feel this review will increase awareness and encourage research about PDAs and their use in healthcare.