Handheld Technologies in a Clinical Setting

Abstract

Handheld or palm-based computing technology, commonly known as personal digital assistants (PDAs), are having a tremendous impact in many personal, educational, and business settings. The potential is particularly compelling for healthcare, specifically in the clinical setting. By exploring the development of the technology, applications, and products, as well as issues regarding its use, a better understanding of this technology can be gained. The rapid acceptance and ongoing swift development of handheld computing technology is leading to an evolution in the way clinical data and information move to and from the bedside and into the patient record. This article focuses on three main areas related to PDAs: the development of the palm technology, its potential in clinical settings, and available specific resources.

Interpretive Flexibility in Mobile Health: Lessons From a Government-Sponsored Home Care Program

“…Others have highlighted privacy concerns [13], end-user resistance to change [14], lack of adequate training and management support [15], and technical issues suggesting more attention should be given to the overall architecture of the mobile health system and to user interfaces [16]. Another study illustrated how users found laptop computers easier, faster, and more satisfying to use than handheld computers in the data recording process [17].…”

Value of wireless personal digital assistants for practice: perceptions of advanced practice nurses

“…Literature concerning the use of PDAs and portable PCs in clinical practice include reviews about the development of these devices (Tooey & Mayo 2003, Garrett 2005), descriptions of the types of devices and software programs that are available (Lewis & Sommers 2003, Erdley 2006, Honeybourne et al. 2006) and advice on what to consider when choosing a device or software (Craig 2002, Lewis & Sommers 2003, Rosenthal 2003, Spikiol 2005, Cornelius & Gallagher‐Gordon 2007).…”

“…Developed as personal information management tools to assist business professionals to track expenses, contacts and scheduling (Erdley 2006), healthcare professionals have employed PDAs in a variety of clinical applications to access a large number of clinical and reference material (Craig 2002). Because PDAs can be used at the bedside, many believe that these devices increase staff productivity (Craig 2002, Tooey & Mayo 2003, Miller et al 2005, reduce the incidence of diagnostic and medication error (Chen et al 2004, Galt et al 2005 and improve the quality of patient care (Spikiol 2005, White et al 2005, Honeybourne et al 2006.…”

“…Literature concerning the use of PDAs and portable PCs in clinical practice include reviews about the development of these devices (Tooey & Mayo 2003, Garrett 2005, descriptions of the types of devices and software programs that are available (Lewis & Sommers 2003, Erdley 2006, Honeybourne et al 2006 and advice on what to consider when choosing a device or software (Craig 2002, Lewis & Sommers 2003, Rosenthal 2003, Spikiol 2005, Cornelius & Gallagher-Gordon 2007. While personal experience or anecdotal information is heavily relied upon, the conclusions of many of the studies have suggested that PDAs and pocket PCs have a beneficial effect on clinical practice (Sauser 2002, Bosma et al 2003, McCord 2003, Chang et al 2004).…”

The feasibility of assessing alcohol use among college students using wireless mobile devices: Implications for health education and behavioural research

“…Security measures available for most hand-held devices include password protection, encryption of data, data removal, authentication, and virus protection 35 . Despite such measures, hand-held devices are vulnerable to assaults in ways similar to desktop and laptop computers, such as virus attacks 36 .…”