Modern doctors have always been on the front lines of late-breaking technology. In fact, most of all the recent medical advancements have been made in stride with the development of technology. Yet, one invention – once thought for play and entertainment – is proving to be an invaluable tool within the doctor’s office.
The Apple iPad, with its lightweight design and user-friendly applications, is quickly becoming a necessity in the medical world. Used as a tool for education and medical record sharing, doctors using iPads are able to improve the efficiency of their office while advancing patient care.
At Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, P.C. we utilize the iPad by showing patients their digital x-rays. The iPad allows us to manipulate the image by rotating it or changing the saturation. With the digital image, we are able to more clearly see what we are looking for, opposed to using the old method of the film on the backlight.
Another benefit of the digital image is that it won’t age. While x-ray films will deteriorate as the years go by, the digital copy that we view on the iPad will remain in its original condition for doctors to review in the future.
We also have the ability to email them directly to the patient for viewing and private record keeping. The iPad has eliminated the need for large x-ray scans having to be mailed or hand delivered to another physician. With the click of a button, a doctor can view an x-ray scan from across the world making consultations and patient care more proficient.
Watch Dr.Weil give a demonstration of how they use the iPad.
Instead of gathering around a bulky desktop, with the iPad we have the ability to sit with each patient and address any question by showing rather than telling. Have a question about what discography is? Our team of doctors is able to show you a video explaining the process so you will feel better about the procedure and all that it will entail.
Many doctors are now seeing the value of reducing their paper trail dramatically by allowing patients to access their personal health records digitally via the iPad. This allows the patient to have access to their most up-to-date medical information through the internet. Therefore, if a patient were to need a new doctor or specialist, they are able to immediately and directly take their medical records with them digitally, rather than having to get them released and mailed.
Other popular applications of the iPad can be seen in the waiting room, where patients fill out their forms and symptoms on the handheld device. They are even able to schedule their next appointment using a calendar. Many hospitals are using it for electronic sign-in for medical workers, making time keeping more efficient than punch cards.
The iPad is still in its first generation. As a greater number of doctors see the iPad as a valuable tool within their practice, more applications will be invented specifically for doctor use. Believe that the medical field will continue to push technology always in order to improve patient care.