iPad and Healthcare

[mbrink12]

I'm a physical therapy student about to finish my 2 years of classwork. I'm headed out on my clinical rotations August 21st. How often are iPads used in the healthcare setting? I still know therapists, doctors, etc that use handwritten documents as a way to document things still, in 2017! I know some that use handheld laptops/tablet/2 in 1s. How often do iPads get used in healthcare? Are there any specific iPad apps for healthcare (not health) that I should look into as a healthcare professional?

Got an iPad Pro last week so I'm super pumped about it.

 

[maflynn]

Given the HIPAA regulations, I'd reach out to your compliance office and see what they permit. You don't want to be causing any issues with privacy

I don't have any app recommendations, usually there's enterprise applications, that are customized for the hospital you work for.

 

[mbrink12]

Given the HIPAA regulations, I'd reach out to your compliance office and see what they permit. You don't want to be causing any issues with privacy

I don't have any app recommendations, usually there's enterprise applications, that are customized for the hospital you work for.

Definitely not when it comes to privacy. That's the easiest way to lose my license, once I get it lol.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Much will depend on who you go to work for. Most places have gone full digital but may have their own devices for you to use.

 

[maflynn]

Most places have gone full digital but may have their own devices for you to use.

And group policies to protect the data. My organization can wipe a phone or iPad if its been reported lost (or stolen). Plus they don't permit us to use various services, for instance, some cloud services like dropbox is not permitted.

 

[mbrink12]

And group policies to protect the data. My organization can wipe a phone or iPad if its been reported lost (or stolen). Plus they don't permit us to use various services, for instance, some cloud services like dropbox is not permitted.

That totally makes sense as to why. Healthcare is all about protecting the patient's privacy, so the fact they can do that makes total sense.

 

[Newtons Apple]

And group policies to protect the data. My organization can wipe a phone or iPad if its been reported lost (or stolen). Plus they don't permit us to use various services, for instance, some cloud services like dropbox is not permitted.

I understand why and it is the reason to use your own separate phone for personal stuff.

I would bet that the healthcare system is like an open book when it comes to securing our personal data. Not many secrets anymore.

 

[Rorosbutt]

I don't think there is any specific iPad that's better. Pick the one you like. They all basically do the same stuff.

Its safe to assume you will use it for reference and pt education. Apps like Complete Anatomy and various references. If you haven't used Complete anatomy I'd recommend downloading the free version and using their 3 day free trial. It would be great to see and show pt what is wrong/being corrected.

EMRs is another use but I'm not sure how much you'd actually use that. Scribes use iPad EMR apps in ED.

 

[kjmff5]

I use an iPad in the hospital all the time. We do have to install monitoring software by the hospital so that way if the iPad is lost they can remote wipe it and it encrypt the iPad as well. Otherwise, I have used Cerner and Epic and both work well.

I recommend getting anything besides a mini, as the screen is too small to use. Also I would recommend getting a bluetooth keyboard(I use the Belkin one as it can work on my lap without the need of a solid surface).

It is also nice because you will likely get a MS Office subscription so that is nice to keep.

Good luck!

 

[Videomanmac]

I went to the doctors today and they all used iPads. It all depends on the hospital and institution.

 

[verdee]

A lot depends on what software you use, and depending on where you work, there may not be much in terms of choice. The biggest issue I have is that our EMR software, epic, is designed for mouse and keyboard input not touch. When I was in residency I would use my original iPad on ICU rounds to help look up results and order some tests, however then, like today it is using a VNC windows computer for loading the EMR nad putting in orders. Today I am an ER doctor, and the pace of my job makes using the iPad really impractical. I will use it to log in from home to check up on a patient or sign a few orders, but that is about it. Eventually things will be optimized but it is a long time coming