Placing wireless tablets in clinical settings for patient education

The authors explored the feasibility and possible benefit of tablet-based educational materials for patients in clinic waiting areas.

We distributed eight tablets preloaded with diagnosis-relevant information in two clinic waiting areas. Patients were surveyed about satisfaction, usability, and effects on learning. Technical issues were resolved.

Thirty-seven of forty patients completed the survey. On average, the patients were satisfied in all categories.

Placing tablet-based educational materials in clinic waiting areas is relatively easy to implement. Patients using tablets reported satisfaction across three domains: usability, education, and satisfaction.