Tablet Computing in Clinical Training of Pediatric Residents

Medical residents receive both medical education and clinical skills training. New technologies and pedagogies are being developed to address each of these phases. Our research focuses on the efficacy of an iPad(®) (Apple, Cupertino, CA) for clinical skills training.

For a period of 3 years, the University of South Florida provided incoming pediatric residents (n=94) with an iPad. At the end of the 3-year program, we surveyed the residents, measuring perceptions and satisfaction of iPad use in clinical training.

Sixty percent of the residents responded to the survey. Ninety-three percent reported at least some iPad usage per day on clinical activities. We classified 13 facets of clinical training into three conceptual areas and provided figures detailing iPad use for each facet relative to other facets in the same cluster. The obtaining, management, and display of information are primary uses of iPad applications in clinical training. Finally, we provide information relative to perceived obstacles in clinical training, with weight of the device being the most frequently cited.

The role of graduate medical education is changing with the introduction of new technologies. These technologies can differentially impact the various aspects of residency education and training. Residents reported using an iPad extensively in their clinical training. We argue that in addition to impacting traditional educational strategies, iPads can successfully facilitate aspects of clinical training in medical education.