Adapting to new technologies: wireless and PDAs Mary Peterson Royal Adelaide Hospital / Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science Adelaide, Australia
Background Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science –Pathology laboratory & research institute – Royal Adelaide Hospital –Teaching hospital affiliated with University of Adelaide –
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Circulation deskCirculation desk
Our users: Clinicians (doctors, nurses, allied health) Researchers (academics, laboratory scientists) Students on clinical placement Diagnostic laboratory staff statewide
Types of question Clinical - urgent / immediate Research Management/ financial/ business Political
Types of information Quick look-up –point of care –Ward office –library Literature search –Office –Library –From home Journal article Book
Evidence-based practice Cochrane Collaboration – May become mandatory in Australia
The devices: Wireless laptop connections Tablets Hand-held devices (PDAs)
Tablet used in first wireless trial Tablet photo Tablet photo
Why PDAs? Easy to use Small and portable Wireless network connection possible Downloads possible
Disadvantages of PDAs: Slow connect times for wireless Security problems for data Devices easy to steal Culture change requires re-training Resistance to change Cost of implementation
Where can they be used? Library Ward office / nurses’ station Patient’s bedside Operating theatres (?)
Other fields: Workshops Engineering plants Surveying
Our questions: Where does the library fit in? Which products suitable for use with PDAs?
Our products: Drug databases *** Prescribing aids *** Dictionaries *** Textbooks ** Databases (Cochrane, Medline)* Full-text linked to above Individual journal subscription
Wireless or download? Textbooks (depends on size) Drug databases – currency Location Suitable format / screen display for chosen device
Drug look-up database – web page
Harrison’s PIM front page
Harrison’s full contents page
What we’re doing Care Connect & OACIS - Sth Aust government hospitals 4 years’ worth of records 2 million patients Mobile Medic – wireless iPaqs with internet –Pilot in 4 renal units
Pictures!
We’re replacing this …
With this!
Wireless transmitter (trial)
Recharging / re-imaging
Recharging
Results so far: Clinicians want –Speed –Flexibility Favorite products: –Quick look-up tools –Journal of Family Practice 2001 Nov; 50(11): 960-5
Role of the library: Advice on content (collection development) Website – small-screen version Training Support information e.g. webpage on PDAs –John W. Scott Health Sciences Library at the University of Alberta:
Our conclusions: Wireless vs. download: –Place for both - (Depends on setting) Optimize screen display Links point to PDA URL Become familiar with the interface
Adapting to new technologies: wireless and PDAs Mary Peterson Royal Adelaide Hospital / Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science Adelaide, Australia