Why not? No really, there are many uses for an iPad within the walls (or outside) of medical centers across the country. With the influx of conversations around technology (read: HIT) it only seems normal that we would look for ways to integrate the iPad.
Of course we could look at other technology or touchscreen devices but with Apple holding 95% of the tablet market share it would seem to reason to stay where the developers are.
So here are 10 ways to use the iPad as a hospital:
- Physician Relations/Sales – Easy way to gain attention when calling on physicians that allows you to show video, pictures, and documents.
- Pre-Op Education – Some hospitals have done this with apps that are available. iPads give the patient an easy way to watch pre-op videos prior to entering the OR.
- Discharge Planning – The iPad could be an interesting tool to help communicate discharge instructions to a patient and family prior to them leaving the hospital.
- Event Marketing – Having iPads on hand to showcase what the hospital has to offer will make you a hit at most local events.
- Job Fairs – Just like other events you will be a the booth to stop by if you are sporting iPads.
- Board Meetings – Use iPads to run board meetings and save money and prep time not having to print a 3″ binder each time.
- Employee Rounding – Use an iPad while rounding on employees and increase efficiencies by not having to do data entry when you return to your office.
- Patient Rounding – Using iPads for rounding or shift change would all for automatic chart updates with upcoming EHR solutions.
- Employee Incentives – What employee would not want an iPad as a gift?
- Marketing (Custom Apps) – Many hospitals have created apps for iPhones so it is just a matter of time till hospitals look for ways to use the larger screen.
I am sure there are many other ideas on how and why hospitals should use iPads. What are you doing? or what have you seen?
– Reed
[photo:bfishadow]
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