Open Source: Tablet PCs Wrong for Doctors – Steve Garrington, CEO Torex Health

Last week hospital doctor, Andrew Harrison, shared his experience of testing a Tablet PC on the wards. Steve Garrington, chief executive of Torex Health, uses our Open Source column to respond and argues the case for PDAs rather than Tablet PCs for clinicians.

I found Andrew Harrison’s piece on his testing of a Tablet PC on the wards (The Tablet PC on Test – June 23rd 2003) very refreshing.

Recent arguments put forward both for tablet PCs and against PDAs in the health service have been very valid. However in my view, and this was highlighted in Andrew’s experience, the most important factor in evaluating PDAs against tablet PCs is overlooked.

In order for new, technology-based, ways of working to be adopted, they must emulate and improve upon traditional processes. Traditionally doctors carry with them only a stethoscope, pen and pager. Doctors are unlikely to change this way of working and as such, use of a device that does not fit into the pockets of their white coats will be difficult to encourage. PDAs are small, lightweight and fulfil this function. Tablet PCs do not.

When looking at the pros and cons of mobile devices, security is also a major issue to be considered, as Andrew demonstrates. From a practical perspective, PDAs are likely to reside in the pockets of white coats, whereas tablet PCs are more likely to be left on a desk, tray or bed – making them an easy target for theft.

PDAs do of course have their weaknesses, such as functionality and the size of the screen, but I believe that connected with desk-based systems and other access devices they could make life much easier for clinical practitioners and become a very powerful tool, especially in patient prescribing.

Steve Garrington, Chief Executive, Torex Health .

So should we be providing frontline doctors and nursing staff with tablets or PDAs? If you’ve got a view let us know pdaortablet@e-health-media.com 

‘Open Source’ is open to anyone (not just Torex Health!) interested in healthcare IT who would like to voice an opinion. Rules: no plugging of products; must express an opinion; no more than 700 words; may be edited. email: jon@e-health-media.com