The Use of Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's) in Health Care Education & Clinical Practice

Elise S. Eisenberg, DDS

NYU College of Dentistry

Abstract:

Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's) are increasing in popularity and usage in healthcare education and clinical usage. In their native state these devices can be used to keep track of appointments, contact information, assignments, 'to do' lists and expenses. The uses in healthcare have grown over the last year and include patient diagnosis and treatment, diagnostic information, lab values, manuals, articles, copies of web sites and more. Many practitioners and students are looking for information to differentiate between hardware choices (Palm OS or Windows CE, Palm, TRGpro, Handspring, etc.) and the many software programs that are becoming available. In addition, questions regarding patient confidentiality and what information should be on the PDA are beginning to surface and need to be addressed. A study will be discussed that looks at the information-seeking behavior of pre-doctoral students using PDA's.

Benefit in Attending Session:

Many practitioners are seeking information about PDA's as they look at purchasing or increasing their current use. This panel/breakout session will allow for the discussion of the wide variety of hardware and software choices and will provide recommendations from those in attendance who are currently using PDA's. Also a discussion of appropriate uses of the PDA including what information should/can be stored on a PDA will be helpful to all wishing to explore these devices.

PRIMARY AUTHOR'S INFORMATION

Elise S. Eisenberg, DDS

NYU Colllege of Dentistry

345 East 24th Street, 813B Schwartz

New York, NY 10010

Telephone Number: (212) 998-9790

Fax Number: (212) 995-4846

E-mail Address: elise.eisenberg@nyu.edu