These days it seems that every other sentence including the words “healthcare” and “technology” also includes the word “iPad”.
It goes without saying that consumers love the iPad, but doctors too seem to be flocking to it. And it’s not just young digital natives like the UCSF resident highlighted in the NYT article “Redefining Medicine with Apps and iPads.” Even the very august Dr. Abraham Verghese has decided to add Apple’s iconic new device to his carefully curated collection of tools he carries through the hospital.
“Should I get an iPad for my own doctoring?” I found myself wondering a few months ago, as I was planning my new housecalls micropractice.
I got one. I sent it back. Here’s the main reason why:
Typing is an integral part of the work I do with patients, and when participating in healthcare teams.
And I found that typing on the iPad was a lousy experience, even with Bluetooth keyboard and ZaggFolio.
Does doctoring really require that much typing? I suppose it depends on how you do your doctoring.
Here are the kinds of things I type while practicing my profession:
- I type extensive written instructions for patients and caregivers, often as I’m talking with them about a plan.
- I type search terms into Uptodate because I use clinical decision support in real-time.
- I type notes when I’m on the phone with patients, to document what they say, and what I tell them.
- I type notes when I collaborate with colleagues on patient care, because this helps me remember what they are telling me.
- I type emails and secure messages, to communicate with patients, caregivers, and colleagues.
- I type notes when I’m in administrative meetings, because this helps me pay attention.
- I type things I need to do into my task-manager, to keep me on track and make sure I don’t forget something important.
- Last but not least: I do some typing when interviewing patients in person, but sometimes opt to jot a few notes on paper, with later input into my EHR.
Although I didn’t take the test iPad out to see any patients, just using it at home felt like a serious drag on my documentation-intensive style. Encased in the Zaggfolio, the iPad weighed 2.7 pounds, which was only a little less than my Thinkpad x61. (Disclosure: I have bailed on Apple products before, having switched back to PC after using an iMac for three years, and having ditched the iPhone after using it for a year.)
So I sent it back. Now you may be thinking: How will you show patients pictures, or videos, or engage in FaceTime, or otherwise participate in 21st century doctoring?
Um…my Windows apps will do the trick, no? And my laptop, like most, comes with an integrated webcam. As for Internet connectivity while on housecalls or on the road, I use a Verizon 4G jetpack, which works very well.
Now I’ll admit, I’d feel more modern and hip cruising around with an iPad. Especially here in San Francisco, I must seem positively fusty with my trusty black Thinkpad.
But what can I say. I haven’t yet opted to use point-and-click templates while doctoring. To paraphrase Abigail Zuger, I like to write what I think, a privilege that may be widely underestimated.
My conclusion regarding iPads and doctoring: iPads are pretty good ways to consume information, but may be limiting to a doctor’s ability to input information.
All those residents training with iPads: will they be writing what they think? Will they be writing personalized instructions for patients? Will they be writing to me, to coordinate care?
