BACKGROUND: Handheld computers have advantages for healthcare providers including portability and integration into office workflow. However, negative patient perceptions of physician use of handheld computers in the examining room might limit integration. OBJECTIVE: To survey patients' perceptions of handheld use, and compare those with their providers' perceptions. METHODS: A survey of patient attitudes toward handhelds was conducted among patients at a low-income university clinic. Internal Medicine residents providing care were also surveyed. RESULTS: Patients (N=93) were mostly female (79%) and ethnic minorities (67%) with average age of 39. Only 10% of patients did not like the idea of a handheld computer in the exam room. Other negative attitudes were also seen in a minority of patients. Some physicians (23%) reported reservations about using the handheld computer with patients. CONCLUSIONS: Negative attitudes were rare among patients, but some providers were concerned about using the handheld in the exam room.
BACKGROUND: Handheld computers have advantages for healthcare providers including portability and integration into office workflow. However, negative patient perceptions of physician use of handheld computers in the examining room might limit integration. OBJECTIVE: To survey patients' perceptions of handheld use, and compare those with their providers' perceptions. METHODS: A survey of patient attitudes toward handhelds was conducted among patients at a low-income university clinic. Internal Medicine residents providing care were also surveyed. RESULTS:Patients (N=93) were mostly female (79%) and ethnic minorities (67%) with average age of 39. Only 10% of patients did not like the idea of a handheld computer in the exam room. Other negative attitudes were also seen in a minority of patients. Some physicians (23%) reported reservations about using the handheld computer with patients. CONCLUSIONS: Negative attitudes were rare among patients, but some providers were concerned about using the handheld in the exam room.
Authors: Jeffrey M Rothschild; Edward Fang; Vincent Liu; Irina Litvak; Cathy Yoon; David W Bates Journal: J Am Med Inform Assoc Date: 2006-08-23 Impact factor: 4.497
Authors: Maria Alcocer Alkureishi; Wei Wei Lee; Maureen Lyons; Valerie G Press; Sara Imam; Akua Nkansah-Amankra; Deb Werner; Vineet M Arora Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2016-01-19 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Bethany S Davies; Jethin Rafique; Tim R Vincent; Jil Fairclough; Mark H Packer; Richard Vincent; Inam Haq Journal: BMC Med Educ Date: 2012-01-12 Impact factor: 2.463