Description :
Since mobile tablet devices were introduced, they have grown in popularity and been used as an innovative tool in businesses, school settings and even law enforcement and government agencies. Tablets are becoming mainstream in the healthcare field as well, as it gives doctors and nurses a gateway to efficiency and portability.
Tablet devices are changing the medical industry in several ways. Fierce Mobile Healthcare released a report in 2012 stating that more than 60 percent of doctors now use tablet devices while performing their everyday duties.
Improved Patient Interaction
A tablet device can improve the way doctors and nurses interact with their patients, whether it's demonstrating a procedure to them or showing them an interactive diagram. Doctors can use tablets to show graphs, illustrations, animations and more on a screen to explain a diagnosis or give the patient a look at an x-ray. Videos, animations and other interactive graphics are on the rise with advances in technology, creating a visually appealing supplement to consultations and exams with patients. Discussing symptoms and logging them onto their wireless tablet while in the presence of their patient can make it easier to find a difficult diagnosis.
Nurses can use the tablets to record information, such as vitals, allergies to certain medications or certain symptoms before the patient is seen by a doctor. They can also refill prescriptions on the spot while in the presence of their patient to ensure they're choosing the correct pharmacy. If they need to schedule a follow-up appointment or update which prescription medications they're taking, they can do it in the presence of the patient to prevent any miscommunication or confusion.
Prescription Medications
Doctors can use the tablets to research medications on the go. By nurses recording patients' allergies to specific medications electronically, the doctor will be able to access information about the most effective and affordable drugs to patients. If they're in the middle of diagnosing a patient and prescribing medication to them, but need to check if it's covered by insurance or explain its side effects to the patients, they don't have to leave the room to do their research on a computer in their office. They can simply look it up on their tablet, or verify their insurance coverage with the patient nearby so each examination or consultation is more interactive and personal, which leaves the patients feeling more comfortable and satisfied with their experience.
Financials
Finally, tablet devices are contributing to healthcare clinics and offices by helping them update internal information easier. Tablets offer better battery life than most laptops and are easier to carry around because they're so lightweight. Doctors can update inventory information, or a list describing the services rendered to a specific patient on a tablet that the receptionists or nurses can access wirelessly. They'll be able to bill insurance providers, order medications, tools and other inventory low in stock and do much more with the improved communication within their clinic. Budget reports, monthly financial expenses and more can be sent to employees or financial partners in an easier way. The ability to send emails and communicate easier reduces the amount of phone calls doctors need to make on a daily basis as well.
Employees working in the healthcare field are constantly on the go, moving from different patient exam rooms to offices and waiting rooms. Having a lightweight tablet device that they can carry around with them and turn on with the press of a button improves the daily functions of a medical facility in several ways, allowing them to work more efficiently and deliver better quality care to their patients and clients.
*by andreascy*
